Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
Introduction
Cabbage and ground beef skillet is a classic, hearty dish that combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying and flavorful meal. This one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious blend of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and aromatic seasonings. Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it’s also budget-friendly, making it a great option for families. The following recipe serves four people and can easily be doubled if you’re cooking for a larger group.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef: Use lean ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for a balance of flavor and fat content.
- 1 medium green cabbage: Core and slice into thin strips. A medium-sized cabbage yields about 6 cups of shredded cabbage.
- 1 large onion: Finely chopped. Yellow onions work best for their sweetness when cooked.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Drained. Fire-roasted tomatoes can add an extra layer of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Compliments the beef and cabbage with earthy notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and depth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust according to your preference.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: To deglaze the pan and add moisture to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a slight tang.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the cabbage into thin strips. Set these aside. Open and drain the can of diced tomatoes.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, remove the ground beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. If there is excess grease in the skillet, drain it, leaving just a small amount to cook the onions.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Add the Cabbage:
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage wilts and begins to soften, about 8-10 minutes. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Once the cabbage is softened, return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, ensuring the paste is well distributed.
- Sprinkle the paprika, dried thyme, and ground cumin over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer:
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to incorporate. The broth will help deglaze the skillet, picking up any browned bits from the bottom, which adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to become tender.
- Final Touches:
- After simmering, taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as necessary. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a bit more Worcestershire sauce or a dash of soy sauce.
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This cabbage and ground beef skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the flavorful juices. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would also pair nicely with this dish.
Variations
- Add vegetables: For a more colorful dish, consider adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Use different meats: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Conclusion
This cabbage and ground beef skillet is a versatile and comforting dish that is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Its simplicity, combined with the robust flavors of the cabbage, beef, and spices, makes it a winner for both busy weeknights and cozy family dinners.
