Ground Beef and Cabbage: A Cozy Family Favorite
When I first encountered the delightful union of ground beef and cabbage, it was in my grandmother’s kitchen, a place where laughter echoed and love simmered. The aroma of sautéing onions and spices would dance through the air, wrapping around me like a warm hug. This simple yet hearty dish evokes memories of crisp autumn evenings, where chilly winds would rustle the leaves outside while the warmth of a comforting dinner enveloped us inside. That’s why I cherish this ground beef and cabbage recipe so much—it’s more than just a fantastically easy meal; it’s a heartfelt gathering of flavors that drags nostalgia right into your bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this ground beef and cabbage dish, but let me share a few that might resonate with your soul:
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Ready in 30 Minutes: Busy weeknights are no longer daunting with this swift yet satisfying recipe. In half an hour, you can enjoy this comforting dinner.
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Brings Families Together: There’s something about this dish that draws people to the table. It ignites conversation and fosters memories.
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Feels Festive and Special: While simple, this meal has a rustic charm that feels perfect for family gatherings or cozy celebrations.
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Healthy Option: Packed with veggies, this can be a great way to introduce more greens into your family’s diet without compromising flavor.
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Indulgent Treat: The savory beef mingling with tender cabbage creates a rich, indulgent flavor profile that everyone will savor.
Ingredients with Notes
To create this cozy favorite, gather the following ingredients, each adding its own touch to the dish:
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean beef for a healthier option or go for a bit more fat for richer flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Fresh onions bring depth. Yellow or white works beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must for extra aroma and flavor. Fresh is always best!
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped: This is the star; use green cabbage, but Napa or savoy are also great for a twist.
- 1 cup beef broth: Homemade adds depth, but store-bought works just fine.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: This contributes a wonderful umami flavor—consider low-sodium options if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings—don’t skip the taste test!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing; feel free to swap with vegetable oil or butter.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This quick meal can become your go-to for hectic evenings, or you can enjoy it on a leisurely weekend. The aroma that fills your kitchen as you cook? Pure magic.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Chop your onion and garlic, and roughly chop the cabbage. Set everything close to your stovetop for an easy transition.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
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Brown the Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking until browned (about 5-7 minutes). You’ll notice it release its savory juices.
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Add Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage, letting it wilt and soften for a few minutes. The leaves will shrink, turning tender and fragrant.
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Add Flavor: Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce. Stir well, coating the beef and cabbage. This is when your kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible!
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Simmer: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Here, the flavors meld beautifully.
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Final Touches: Adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat, and your comforting ground beef and cabbage dish is ready to serve!
Tips and Variations
- Healthier Swaps: Opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Seasonal Twists: Add seasonal veggies like carrots or bell peppers as they become available.
- Spice Up the Flavor: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika can lend a lovely kick.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy this dish on its own or pair it with rustic bread to soak up the delightful juices. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can balance out the meal perfectly. This dish becomes an even warmer experience when enjoyed around the table, perhaps with a glass of crisp white wine or a comforting herbal tea in hand.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? This meal stores beautifully! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, allow the dish to cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive tenderness and flavor.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Rest the meat before slicing or serving; it allows the juices to redistribute.
- Use fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, sprinkled at the end for a burst of brightness.
- For extra flavor, try browning the beef with a mix of your favorite spices.
FAQs
- Can I substitute the ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork can be great alternatives.
- What if I can’t find cabbage? Kale or collard greens can also work well; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Is this meal freezer-friendly? Yes! It freezes well for up to 3 months; simply reheat over low heat.
- Can I make this a vegetarian dish? Swap the beef for lentils or mushrooms for an equally delightful meal.
Conclusion
As you embark on creating this ground beef and cabbage dish, know that you are not just cooking—you are crafting memories. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather, to share in stories and laughter, and to nourish not just bodies, but souls as well. I encourage you to try it, share it with loved ones, and watch as it brings warmth and joy into your home.
Contents
Ground Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Choose lean beef for a healthier option or go for a bit more fat for richer flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced Fresh onions bring depth. Yellow or white works beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced A must for extra aroma and flavor. Fresh is always best!
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped Use green cabbage, but Napa or savoy are also great for a twist.
- 1 cup beef broth Homemade adds depth, but store-bought works just fine.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce This contributes a wonderful umami flavor—consider low-sodium options if you prefer.
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential seasonings—don’t skip the taste test!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing; feel free to swap with vegetable oil or butter.
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop your onion and garlic, and roughly chop the cabbage. Set everything close to your stovetop for an easy transition.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
- Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, letting it wilt and soften for a few minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce. Stir well, coating the beef and cabbage.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat, and your comforting ground beef and cabbage dish is ready to serve!
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.