Description: This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a simple, hearty, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines budget-friendly ground beef with the subtly sweet crunch of cabbage, creating a surprisingly satisfying dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. This recipe is easily customizable to your taste, making it a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage (about 2 pounds), finely chopped or shredded
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 90/10, depending on preference)
- 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder (or vegetable bouillon for a lighter flavor)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil or other cooking oil (for browning)
- Optional: Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Before you even turn on the stove, having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and efficient. Finely chop the cabbage, ensuring even pieces that will cook uniformly. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all the spices. Open the can of diced tomatoes and set it aside. Having everything ready to go “mise en place” is a classic culinary technique that helps ensure success in the kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef. Place a large pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat. If using, add the tablespoon of olive oil or cooking oil to the pan and let it heat up for a few seconds. Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break up the ground beef into smaller pieces. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is browned and cooked through. The goal is to brown the beef without burning it, so adjust the heat as needed. As the beef cooks, it will release some fat. If you are using a higher fat content ground beef (like 80/20), you may want to drain off some of the excess fat before proceeding to the next step. Draining the excess fat helps keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics. Once the ground beef is browned, push it to one side of the pan or skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cleared area of the pan. Sauté the onion and garlic, stirring frequently, until they become softened and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The onions should become translucent and the garlic should release its aroma without burning. The sautéed onion and garlic will add depth of flavor to the entire dish. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the onions will steam instead of sauté. If necessary, sauté the onions in batches.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices. Pour the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) over the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Add the bouillon powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika to the pan. Stir everything together well to combine all the ingredients. The bouillon powder adds a savory depth of flavor, while the cumin, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika provide warmth, spice, and smokiness to the dish. The diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity, which helps to balance the richness of the ground beef.
Step 5: Simmer and Season. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for developing the overall flavor profile of the dish. As the mixture simmers, taste it for salt and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the bouillon powder already contains salt, so be cautious when adding more salt. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder, to further enhance the flavor.
Step 6: Add the Cabbage. Add the chopped or shredded cabbage to the pan. Stir to combine the cabbage with the ground beef and tomato mixture. Ensure that the cabbage is evenly distributed throughout the pan.
Step 7: Cook the Cabbage. Cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer until the cabbage is tender but still retains some crunch. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cabbage and your desired level of tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure that the cabbage cooks evenly. If the mixture becomes too dry, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to the pan.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serving. Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Taste the dish one last time and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired, for added flavor and freshness. Serve the Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet hot.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a winner for several reasons:
- Ease and Simplicity: It’s a one-pan meal, which means minimal cleanup. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and cabbage are both relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a great option for feeding a family on a budget.
- Nutritious: Cabbage is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while ground beef provides protein and essential nutrients.
- Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, savory spices, and slightly sweet cabbage creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or sauces.
- Versatile: It can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even a filling for tacos or wraps.
Cooking Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a hearty main course.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a more substantial meal.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or dill.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Use as a filling for tacos or wraps.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a higher fat content ground beef (like 80/20).
- To save time, buy pre-shredded cabbage.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of heat.
- Add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a creamier dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Sodium: 700-900 mg (depending on bouillon powder and added salt)
Conclusion:
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition, and it’s easily customizable to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and discover how delicious and versatile cabbage can be!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or even Italian sausage. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you use. If using a leaner meat like ground turkey or chicken, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or other cooking oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
Q2: I don’t have bouillon powder. Can I use something else?
A: Yes, bouillon powder adds a concentrated savory flavor, but you can substitute it. If you don’t have bouillon powder on hand, you can use beef broth or vegetable broth instead. Simply add about ½ cup of broth to the pan along with the diced tomatoes. You can also use a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory depth. If you’re using broth, you may need to simmer the mixture for a bit longer to allow the liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate.
Q3: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: There are several ways to increase the heat level of this dish. You can add more cayenne pepper, use a spicier chili powder, or include a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add a diced jalapeño pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the pan along with the other spices. If you prefer a milder heat, you can use a sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
A: Definitely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to suit your taste. Diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, and mushrooms all make great additions. Add them to the pan along with the onions and garlic and sauté them until softened. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrients.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a great make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the dish according to the recipe instructions and then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the mixture becomes too dry during reheating. The flavors will often meld together even more when the dish sits overnight, making it even more delicious!
