Savory Ground Beef with Cabbage: A Simple & Tasty Weeknight Meal Recipe

Mastering ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe

The ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe is a hearty, flavorful meal that balances protein-packed ground beef with the fresh crunch of cabbage. This recipe is an excellent option for a simple weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste or nutrition. The combination of sautéed onions and carrots with paprika and tomato sauce builds a savory base, while the broth adds moistness and depth. Once combined with tender cabbage, the dish offers a pleasant texture contrast and a satisfying finish. It’s also quick to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes total, making it accessible for busy schedules.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility and ease. It caters to various dietary preferences, fitting well for gluten-free and low-carb diets. Plus, it’s a one-skillet dish minimizing cleanup. Whether served alone, with rice, or alongside noodles, this ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe delivers comfort and nutrition with classic home cooking flavors.

Benefits and Advantages of ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe

This ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe shines due to its unparalleled ease of preparation and healthy profile. Using lean ground beef reduces fat content while providing a good source of protein to support satiety and muscle maintenance. The cabbage contributes fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like vitamin C and K, boosting the meal’s nutritional value while keeping carbohydrates low.

Aside from health benefits, the recipe’s streamlined cooking process makes it appealing for those with busy lifestyles or beginner cooks. The skills involved—sautéing, simmering, and combining flavors—are straightforward yet effective, producing a delicious, balanced meal. You can easily adjust seasonings like paprika or add other spices to suit your palate.

Furthermore, this recipe is budget-friendly, using common pantry staples and fresh vegetables. It lends itself well to meal prepping, as leftovers store well in the fridge or freezer, preserving flavors. For insights on the health benefits of cabbage and the nutritional value of ground beef, this dish serves as a practical and tasty example.

Essential Ingredients for ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ medium cabbage, chopped or shredded into thicker strips
• 1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
• 3 tablespoons tomato sauce or paste
• ½ cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 medium to large onion, sliced
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika (regular or smoked)
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: fresh herbs such as parsley or chives
• Optional for serving: sour cream or plain yogurt

Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat and keeps the dish lighter. The fresh cabbage offers fiber and crunch. Carrots add natural sweetness and additional nutrients. Tomato sauce delivers acidity and richness, while broth ensures the dish stays moist and flavorful during cooking. Paprika enhances the color and adds subtle warmth. Fresh herbs and sour cream offer optional layers of fresh and creamy contrast to the hearty components.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe

Protein Alternatives

If you prefer a leaner or different protein source, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef. For plant-based options, crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein are good substitutes, seasoned appropriately to replicate the savory base flavors.

Vegetable Variations

You can substitute cabbage with a bag of coleslaw mix for convenience, or experiment with grated broccoli or cauliflower for a different nutrient profile and texture. Adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas can also increase variety and flavor depth.

Broth and Sauces

Beef broth can be swapped for vegetable broth to make this dish lighter or vegan if using plant proteins. Tomato sauce variations like taco sauce, salsa, BBQ sauce, or soy sauce provide different worldly flavor twists, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Seasonings and Cooking Oils

Instead of vegetable oil, olive oil or avocado oil can be used for cooking. For extra spice, adding chili powder or red pepper flakes enhances the heat level. Feel free to incorporate minced garlic with the onions for more aromatic complexity.

These substitutions make the ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe flexible enough to suit dietary restrictions, taste preferences, and ingredient availability, making it a go-to staple for weeknight meals.

How to Prepare the Perfect ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

1. First Step: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, breaking the meat into small pieces. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Second Step: In the same skillet, add the sliced medium to large onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Third Step: Add 1 medium grated or julienned carrot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it softens.
4. Fourth Step: Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce or paste and ½ cup of beef or vegetable broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Fifth Step: Add ½ medium chopped or shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, and 1½ teaspoons paprika (regular or smoked). Stir well, cover, and let it simmer until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crunchy. Cook longer if you prefer a softer texture, stirring occasionally.
6. Sixth Step: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly and heat together for a few minutes to marry the flavors.
7. Seventh Step: Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm, optionally with sour cream or plain yogurt on the side for added creaminess.

Mastering ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations

Tips for Success

• Use lean ground beef (around 90% lean) to reduce excess fat and avoid greasy outcomes.
• For convenience, substitute fresh cabbage with a bag of coleslaw mix; it saves prep time and cooks evenly.
• Control cabbage texture by simmering only until partially wilted for crunch, or longer for softness.
• Sauté minced garlic with onions for additional aroma and flavor depth.
• Season each cooking step lightly with salt and pepper to build layers of taste.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Experiment with sauces such as soy sauce, taco seasoning, salsa, or BBQ sauce for diverse tastes.
• Include extra vegetables like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to add texture and nutrition.
• Add heat with red pepper flakes or chili powder for spicy versions.

How to Store ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe: Best Practices

Store leftovers of the ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This ensures the dish retains freshness while preventing moisture buildup that can affect texture.

For longer storage, freeze the dish in portion-size airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2–3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to revive moisture and enhance flavor. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and prevent drying.

For meal prep, cool the cooked dish fully, divide into containers (adding cooked rice if desired), seal tightly, and refrigerate or freeze as needed. Microwave with a cover for quick meals.

Nutritional Value of ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe

This ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe balances moderate calories with generous protein, making it a satisfying day-to-day meal. Cabbage adds fiber and essential vitamins while maintaining low carbohydrates. For more details on the health benefits of cabbage and the nutritional value of ground beef, check these resources.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe

Savory Ground Beef with Cabbage: A Simple & Tasty Weeknight Meal Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low-Carb

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Description

🍲 Whip up a delicious and hearty meal with Savory Ground Beef and Cabbage, ready in just 20 minutes!
🥬 Enjoy a healthy and satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight dinner, utilizing simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound lean ground beef
½ medium cabbage, chopped or shredded into thicker strips
1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
3 tablespoons tomato sauce or paste
½ cup beef or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ½ teaspoons paprika (regular or smoked)
1 medium to large onion, sliced
2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
Optional garnishes: fresh herbs like parsley or chives
Optional for serving: sour cream or plain yogurt

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Drain excess fat if needed, and set beef aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the grated carrot and cook until it softens.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce or paste and broth, let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and paprika, stirring well. Cover and let simmer until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crunchy, or longer if a softer texture is desired. Stir occasionally.
5. Return the cooked beef to the skillet, combine well, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm. Optionally, serve with sour cream or plain yogurt.

Notes

🩲 Use lean ground beef to reduce fat and drainage for a healthier meal.
🥕 A bag of coleslaw mix can conveniently substitute for cabbage.
⏳ For crunchier cabbage, cook until partially wilted; for softer texture, extend cooking time.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooling Time: None
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 234
• Sugar: 1.9 grams
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 11.2 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3.2 grams
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
• Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3.3 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 28.4 grams
• Cholesterol: 81 mg