Cabbage and ground beef have been a classic combination for generations, offering a hearty, nutritious, and budget-friendly meal. This old-fashioned recipe is packed with savory flavors, tender cabbage, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a nostalgic dish reminiscent of home-cooked meals, this recipe is sure to satisfy. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a wholesome taste that never goes out of style.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Gather all ingredients to ensure smooth cooking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onions to the cooked beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Add tomato paste, paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Add Cabbage: Mix in the chopped cabbage, stirring well to combine. The cabbage will seem bulky at first, but it will shrink as it cooks.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth, cover the skillet with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender and absorbs the rich flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasonings if needed. If you prefer a slightly thicker consistency, allow the mixture to cook uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the hearty cabbage and ground beef mixture into bowls and serve hot. This dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.