Description:
Cabbage and Ground Meat is a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
The tender cabbage pairs wonderfully with the savory ground meat, creating a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and filling.
It’s versatile enough to be served on its own, over rice, or with mashed potatoes.
This dish can be made with beef, pork, or a mix of both, and it’s great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
1 medium head of cabbage, shredded or chopped
1 lb (450g) ground beef, pork, or turkey (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)
1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice) – optional
Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or dill) – optional
Instructions:
Prepare the Cabbage: If not done already, shred or chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
Remove excess fat if needed.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: To the pan, add the diced onions and minced garlic.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the Cabbage: Stir in the cabbage, salt, pepper, paprika, and any additional herbs/spices you like. Mix well.
Simmer: Add the beef broth and/or water to the pan. If using tomato paste, add it now, along with the soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
Serve: If desired, top with grated cheese and let it melt before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy your meal!
Tips:
Meat Options: You can use any ground meat you prefer, including chicken or turkey for a lighter version. A combination of beef and pork adds great flavor and richness.
Flavor Enhancements: Adding a splash of vinegar (apple cider or white) can give the dish a nice tangy balance, especially if you prefer a more acidic taste.
Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to throw in other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Variations:
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: If you want to get a little fancy, you can stuff the cabbage leaves with the ground meat mixture and cook them in tomato sauce, creating a traditional stuffed cabbage roll dish.
Cabbage and Ground Meat Soup: Turn this into a hearty soup by adding more broth and vegetables like potatoes or carrots.
Let it simmer longer to develop deeper flavors.
Cabbage Stir-Fry: For a quicker, lighter dish, stir-fry the cabbage and meat together without simmering, leaving the cabbage more crunchy.
Corrections:
Too Dry: If your cabbage becomes too dry while cooking, add a little extra broth or water to keep it moist.
Too Salty: If the dish turns out too salty, balance it by adding a bit of sugar or a splash of vinegar to cut the saltiness.
Overcooked Cabbage: If the cabbage gets mushy, cook it for a shorter time next time, and consider adding it later in the cooking process.
Enjoy!
Now you’re ready to enjoy this hearty and flavorful Cabbage and Ground Meat dish! Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s sure to be a family favorite.
Serve with your favorite side dish or enjoy it all on its own.