Description of this recipe
This Cabbage Stew recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines simple ingredients into a surprisingly delicious and satisfying meal. Ground beef, tender cabbage, sweet onions, zesty fire-roasted tomatoes, and hearty ranch-style beans come together in a rich and savory broth. Perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch, this stew is a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to make and deeply nourishing.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll love this Cabbage Stew because it’s:
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few steps and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this stew is a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and protein, this stew is a healthy and hearty meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and ranch-style beans creates a rich and complex flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices, this stew can be adapted to suit your taste preferences.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required, making it ideal for a simple and convenient meal.
- Comfort Food Classic: This stew is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming you up from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Beef – lean
- 1 Head of Cabbage – sliced
- 2 Yellow Onions – diced
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 15 Oz Ranch Style Beans – canned
- 26 Oz Ranch Style Beans – canned
- 2 – 14.5 Oz Fire Roasted Tomatoes – canned
- 1 – 14.5 Oz Can of Water
- 1 ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
Preparation:
This Cabbage Stew recipe is designed to be simple and satisfying. It’s a fantastic dish for those cold evenings when you crave something hearty and warming but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious stew.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large stockpot, begin by browning the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the beef apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
The browning process is crucial as it enhances the flavor of the beef through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. Ensure that the beef is well-browned to add depth to the overall taste of the stew.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Once the ground beef is browned, add the kosher salt and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly seasoned. Then, add one can (14.5 oz) of fire-roasted tomatoes to the pot. Stir to fully combine the tomatoes with the beef. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky, slightly charred flavor that complements the richness of the beef.
Stirring the tomatoes into the beef mixture helps to deglaze the bottom of the pot, lifting any browned bits that have stuck to the surface. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the overall taste of the stew.
Step 3: Layer with Cabbage and Onions
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Begin layering the ingredients by adding a portion of the sliced cabbage and diced onions to the pot. Spread them evenly over the beef and tomato mixture. The cabbage and onions will cook down as they simmer, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the stew.
Layering the cabbage and onions helps to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the stew and ensures that they cook properly. It also creates a base for the other ingredients, preventing them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add the Beans and Tomatoes
Now, add both cans of ranch-style beans (15 oz and 26 oz) and the second can (14.5 oz) of fire-roasted tomatoes to the pot. Spread the beans and tomatoes evenly over the layer of cabbage and onions. The ranch-style beans add a creamy texture and a savory, slightly spicy flavor to the stew.
The combination of ranch-style beans and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a robust and flavorful base for the stew. The beans add heartiness, while the tomatoes contribute acidity and a smoky undertone.
Step 5: Final Layer and Simmer
Add the remaining cabbage and onions to the pot, creating a final layer. Then, top it off with the can of water (14.5 oz). The water helps to create a broth for the stew and ensures that the ingredients are fully submerged.
Cover the pot and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has completely softened and cooked down. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Stirring occasionally prevents the stew from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures that the flavors meld together evenly.
The simmering process is crucial for allowing the flavors to develop and for the cabbage to become tender. Be patient and allow the stew to simmer for the full duration to achieve the best results.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cabbage is fully cooked and softened, the stew is ready to serve. Ladle the cabbage stew into bowls and serve with a side of warm, freshly baked cornbread for a truly comforting and satisfying meal.
The cornbread complements the stew perfectly, adding a touch of sweetness and a contrasting texture. It’s also great for soaking up the flavorful broth.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with warm cornbread for dipping into the broth.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra richness.
Tips:
- Use a Large Stockpot: Ensure you use a large stockpot as the cabbage leaves can take a while to cook down, and you’ll need the space in the pot.
- Be Patient: It may feel as though it’s taking too long for the cabbage to cook down, but it will happen. Just stir occasionally to turn the stew.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Add the cabbage in layers to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Add Heat: For a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make Ahead: This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.) Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion
This Cabbage Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting, hearty, and flavorful experience. Perfect for any occasion, this stew combines simplicity and deliciousness in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this Cabbage Stew is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the rich flavors and the ease of preparation, making it a staple in your kitchen.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of beans in this recipe? A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ranch-style beans for their unique flavor, you can easily substitute them with other types of beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or even cannellini beans. Each type of bean will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the stew, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.
Q2: How can I make this stew vegetarian? A: To make this stew vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef. You can replace the beef with additional vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to add more substance to the stew. For added protein, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or lentils. You may also want to use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the flavor.
Q3: Can I freeze this cabbage stew? A: Yes, this cabbage stew freezes very well. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the stew will expand as it freezes. When ready to eat, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Q4: How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy? A: To prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy, avoid overcooking it. The cabbage should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Stir the stew occasionally to ensure that the cabbage cooks evenly, and be sure to simmer it on low heat. If you find that the cabbage is cooking too quickly, you can reduce the heat further or add a little more water to the pot.
Q5: What other vegetables can I add to this stew? A: This stew is highly versatile, and you can add a variety of other vegetables to customize it to your liking. Some great additions include carrots, celery, potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes will add heartiness, while bell peppers and zucchini will contribute a touch of sweetness. Simply add the vegetables along with the cabbage and onions, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
