Are you looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and low in carbs? Our Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is the answer! This dish combines tender cabbage with seasoned ground beef in a savory tomato sauce, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and comforting meal that everyone will love.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and full of delicious flavors. The combination of ground beef, tender cabbage, and a savory tomato-based sauce creates a comforting dish that feels both nourishing and filling. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients:
1 small cabbage, chopped
1 lb ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
1 cup onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon bouillon powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Push the cooked ground beef to one side of the pan. On the empty side, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir in the bouillon powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Cook the Cabbage:
Add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir to combine and cover the pot. Cook until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems too dry before the cabbage is fully cooked, add a quarter cup of beef or chicken broth.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the dish and adjust the salt if needed.
Serve:
Serve the Cabbage and Ground Beef hot, straight from the pan. Enjoy this comforting, low-carb meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Cheesy version: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese at the end for a richer flavor.
Low-carb option: Skip the diced tomatoes and use more beef broth for a less tomato-heavy version.
Vegetable boost: Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.
Different protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Serving Tips:
Serve Hot: For the best flavor and texture, serve this dish hot. It’s a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect on its own or paired with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can also enhance the flavor.
Portion Control: This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it ideal for a family meal. If you’re serving a smaller crowd, consider adjusting the portion sizes or storing leftovers for later.
Pairing Suggestions: Cabbage and Ground Beef can be served alongside steamed vegetables, over a bed of rice, or with a side of roasted potatoes for a more substantial meal.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will keep well for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled Cabbage and Ground Beef in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, divide it into individual portions for easy thawing.
Reheating: Reheat the dish in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of beef or chicken broth to moisten it.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overcooking the dish as it may affect the texture of the cabbage. Heat it just until warmed through.
Related Recipes:
- Cabbage Roll Soup
- Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Whole Cabbage with Lemon Butter
- Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of ground meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other types of ground meat such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each type of meat will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if the meat has a different fat content or requires a different cooking method.
How can I make this dish spicier or milder?
To adjust the spiciness of the dish, you can modify the amount of cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the heat if it becomes too spicy.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Simply chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the cabbage. Keep in mind that additional vegetables may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
How do I know when the cabbage is fully cooked?
The cabbage is fully cooked when it is tender but still slightly crisp. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork. Overcooking can result in mushy cabbage, so keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. If you prefer the cabbage to be softer, cook it a bit longer, but be cautious not to overdo it.
Conclusion:
This Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packs a punch of flavors with its blend of spices. Whether you’re on a low-carb diet or just looking for a quick and hearty dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Cabbage and Ground Beef
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Looking for a hearty and low-carb dinner option? Try our Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe! This simple and delicious dish combines tender cabbage with seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a comforting, satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients
1 small cabbage, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
1 cup onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon bouillon powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Place the ground beef in a large pan over medium heat. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until browned.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Move the beef to one side of the pan. Add onions and garlic to the empty side. Sauté until onions are softened and garlic is fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in diced tomatoes, bouillon powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add chopped cabbage, stir to combine, and cover the pan. Cook until cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally. Add broth if needed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
If the dish becomes too dry, add a splash of beef or chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
