Description: A hearty and comforting one-pan dish featuring savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and flavorful spices simmered in a rich tomato base. This recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 can (14.5-15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder (or 1 cube)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- Optional: ¼ cup beef broth or chicken broth (if needed)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos (for added flavor)
- Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary) for garnish
Preparation:
Before you begin, ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and gather all your spices. Having everything organized will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef: Place the ground beef in a large skillet (cast iron is ideal for even heat distribution) over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned on all sides, typically about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving just a tablespoon or two to sauté the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: Move the browned ground beef to one side of the skillet or remove it temporarily. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. If there isn’t enough rendered fat from the beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Sauté the onions and garlic until they become softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer: Pour the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) into the skillet with the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Add the beef bouillon powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to incorporate the cabbage into the tomato and beef mixture. Ensure the cabbage is somewhat submerged in the liquid to facilitate even cooking. If the mixture appears dry, add about ¼ cup of beef broth or chicken broth to provide additional moisture.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender: Cover the skillet again and continue to cook until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This will typically take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cabbage and your desired level of tenderness. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or spices to suit your preference.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is a winning recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and only one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash. The combination of savory ground beef and tender cabbage creates a satisfying and comforting texture, while the blend of spices adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile. It’s also a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices or adapted to use other ground meats, such as turkey or chicken. Plus, it’s a relatively healthy and budget-friendly meal option, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or anytime you’re craving a delicious and fuss-free dinner.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet as a main course, garnished with fresh parsley or other herbs.
- Pair it with a side of crusty bread or rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for added richness.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend) for extra flavor.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a higher fat content ground beef (80/20 or 85/15).
- If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the skillet.
- To add more vegetables, include diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions.
- If you want to make this recipe spicier, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled plant-based meat substitute.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 248kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sodium: 289mg
Conclusion:
The Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is a versatile and comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its simplicity, flavor, and nutritional value make it a winner for busy weeknights or anytime you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal. Feel free to experiment with different spices, vegetables, and serving suggestions to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of ground meat in this recipe? A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Q2: I don’t have beef bouillon powder. What can I use instead? A: If you don’t have beef bouillon powder, you can use beef broth or beef stock in its place. Add about ½ cup of broth or stock to the skillet along with the diced tomatoes. You may also need to adjust the salt level, as bouillon powder tends to be quite salty.
Q3: Can I freeze this Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet for later? A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q4: How can I make this recipe lower in carbohydrates? A: To reduce the carbohydrate content, you can use less cabbage or substitute it with other low-carb vegetables, such as cauliflower rice or shredded zucchini. You can also omit the diced tomatoes or use a sugar-free tomato sauce.
Q5: What are some other spices that would complement this dish? A: There are many spices that would work well with this recipe. Consider adding a pinch of dried oregano, basil, or thyme for an Italian-inspired flavor. You could also add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami. For a smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke.
