Looking for a hearty beef dish that’s easy and tasty? Try the ground beef cabbage recipe. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s great for families. You’ll need lean ground beef and fresh cabbage to make it.
This recipe is quick to make and perfect for busy nights. It’s easy to prepare with common ingredients. You’ll love how flavorful it turns out.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe serves 6 and takes only about 25 minutes to prepare.
- You will need 1 pound of 92% lean ground beef for optimal taste.
- A head of cabbage weighing between 2 to 2.5 pounds is essential for the dish.
- Cooking time includes a 20-minute steaming for tender cabbage.
- Customization options allow for a variety of vegetable add-ins.
- Leftovers can be frozen for 4 to 6 months, making meal planning easier.
Introduction to Ground Beef and Cabbage
Ground beef is a favorite in many homes. It’s affordable and easy to use in many dishes. It’s perfect for quick meals on busy weeknights.
Cabbage is a great match for ground beef. It’s full of fiber and vitamins. This makes it a healthy addition to your meals.
Together, ground beef and cabbage create a tasty and nutritious meal. Your family will enjoy it. You can try different recipes to find your favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a hit with home cooks for good reasons. It combines savory ground beef with tender cabbage. This mix creates a dish that even the pickiest eaters love. Plus, it’s quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights. A great family meal should be tasty and easy to make. This recipe checks both boxes.
This dish is not just tasty but also flexible. You can change ingredients based on what you have. It’s gluten-free and fits into paleo, whole30, AIP, and keto diets. This makes it easy to tailor the recipe to suit everyone’s tastes.
When you make this meal, you’ll love the colors and textures. Green cabbage and red bell pepper add to the ground beef. Your dish will look as good as it tastes.
It’s quick to make and packed with nutrients. Each serving has lots of protein and fiber. This makes you feel good about feeding your family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a tasty ground beef and cabbage dish, you need some key ingredients. These items add flavor and make the dish appealing.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef
- 1 small head of chopped cabbage (around 1 ½ to 2 pounds)
- 2 cans of diced tomatoes with juice (14.5-ounce each)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
- ¾ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (for topping)
These ingredients make your beef recipe a hit with your family. The mix of cabbage, tomatoes, and ground beef is irresistible.
Optional Ingredients for Variations
Want to make your beef recipe your own? Try these optional ingredients:
- Shredded carrots for added sweetness
- Bell peppers for a colorful addition
- Sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist
- Plant-based protein for a vegan option
- Various seasoning blends to cater to different taste preferences
These ingredients let you customize the dish. Changing spices or adding veggies can make it exciting every time.
Preparation Time and Cooking Duration
Making this tasty ground beef and cabbage recipe is quick and fun. It takes about 35 minutes to cook, including just 15 minutes to prepare. This makes it perfect for busy nights when you need a fast meal.
The actual cooking time is 20 minutes. This fits well into a busy schedule. The recipe uses a good mix of five cups of sliced cabbage and each pound of ground beef. It’s a healthy meal that’s also low in calories.
In no time, you’ll have a meal that’s not only delicious but also good for you. It’s gluten-free and paleo-friendly. This shows that you can have quick, healthy meals that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare the Recipe
Starting this easy ground beef and cabbage recipe is simple. First, cook the meat. Then, add the vegetables. Lastly, simmer to bring out the flavors.
Cooking the Meat
Begin by heating ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven. Heat it over medium. Add ½ medium onion diced and cook until it’s soft.
Next, add 1 pound of grass-fed ground beef. Break it into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s browned. Season with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Adding Vegetables
After cooking the meat, prepare the vegetables. Add chopped cabbage, diced red bell pepper, and 1 cup of shredded carrots. Mix in 3 tablespoons of tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
This is when you add cabbage. Let the ingredients mix for a few minutes.
Final Cooking Phase
Now, bring the mix to a boil. Then, lower the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring now and then.
This makes sure everything is hot and the cabbage is tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This way, your meal will be perfectly seasoned.
Ground Beef Cabbage Recipe
This recipe mixes healthy ingredients with tasty flavors, great for a quick dinner. It feeds about six people and is easy on your wallet. The ingredients cost around $7.55. Each serving has about 195 calories, making it a healthy choice for your family.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb. lean ground beef (96/4): $3.90
- 1/2 head green cabbage: $1.78
- 2 carrots, diced: $0.22
- 3 green onions, chopped: $0.17
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: $0.16
- 1 Tbsp ginger, minced: $0.13
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce: $0.18
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil: $0.33
- 1 tsp sriracha: $0.05
- 1 tsp brown sugar: $0.02
- 2 Tbsp neutral cooking oil: $0.02
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds: $0.08
The recipe uses a mix of seasonings like salt, pepper, and onion powder. It also includes garlic powder, chili powder, and a bit of ground coffee for extra taste. Cooking the veggies takes 6-8 minutes to get them just right.
To make this dish, follow these steps:
- In a big skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Mix in garlic, ginger, and the seasonings, cooking for two more minutes.
- Add the cabbage, carrots, and green onions to the skillet, stirring well.
- Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar. Cook for 6-8 minutes more.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
This recipe is a great mix of taste and nutrition, perfect for a busy night.
Tips for Enhancing Flavor
Want to make your ground beef and cabbage dish even better? Try new seasonings and veggies. It’s a great way to make your meal more exciting.
Seasoning Ideas
Looking for ways to spice up your ground beef? Try paprika, cumin, or chili powder. They add a nice kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives bring a fresh taste.
Remember to taste as you go. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) can also add a special spice to your dish.
Vegetable Additions
Want to make your stir fry healthier and tastier? Add veggies like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms. Shredded carrots add a sweet touch that goes well with other flavors.
Make sure to cut the cabbage thinly, less than ¼ inch. This helps it cook evenly. Adding more veggies makes your meal not only delicious but also full of nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Adding the right sides to your ground beef and cabbage dish can make it even better. Look for foods that match the flavors and textures of your main dish. Here are some great options to pair with ground beef.
Pairing with Side Dishes
Choose from many side dishes to go with your cabbage recipe. Here are some top picks:
- Brown rice, offering a wholesome base.
- Cornbread, which provides a sweet contrast.
- A fresh green salad, bringing a crunchy texture.
These sides make your meal more appealing. They let the ground beef and cabbage be the stars.
Creative Serving Options
Find creative ways to serve your cabbage dish. It should taste amazing and look great too. Here are some ideas:
- Serve the ground beef cabbage on a bed of fluffy rice for a stunning display.
- Try presenting it in cabbage wraps for a fun, interactive dining experience.
- Garnish with fresh herbs to add a pop of color and freshness.
These ideas can make your dish a feast for the eyes. They keep the flavors delicious.
Storing Leftovers
Storing food right keeps the flavors of your ground beef and cabbage meal fresh. It also keeps you safe from foodborne illnesses. Here are some tips to keep your leftovers fresh:
- Put leftovers in an airtight container once they’ve cooled down.
- Keep the container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days.
- If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It can last 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge the night before you want to eat them.
These tips help you enjoy your ground beef and cabbage dish again and again. They make meal planning easier and let you enjoy the dish’s rich flavors.
Variations and Customizations
Trying out different recipes can make your ground beef and cabbage dish exciting. You can use ground turkey or plant-based options like textured vegetable protein. This makes the meal more interesting and suits different diets.
Changing the seasonings can also make a big difference. Adding soy sauce and sesame seeds gives it an Asian twist. You can also add red bell peppers, oyster mushrooms, or green beans for more variety.
Choosing the right sides can also enhance your meal. Try serving it over basmati rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option. Oatmeal brown bread adds a hearty touch.
For quick dinners, one-pan meals are perfect. Most variations can be made in under an hour. You can turn leftovers into tasty lunches in tacos, wraps, or spring rolls.
Conclusion
This ground beef cabbage recipe is easy and flexible. It’s perfect for busy people. It’s full of protein and fiber, making it a healthy meal.
You can change it to fit your diet. This makes it great for everyone. You can easily add it to your meal plans.
Many people love this recipe. It’s easy to make and tastes like traditional cabbage rolls. Both new and experienced cooks will enjoy it.
Try different versions of this recipe. You can use different types of cabbage or add more veggies. It’s a fun way to make the dish your own.
Start experimenting and make it your own. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!