Delicious Ground Beef and Cabbage: A Hearty One-Pot Meal

Ground Beef and Cabbage: A Simple Yet Satisfying One-Pot Meal

When it comes to creating hearty, satisfying meals that don’t break the bank or demand hours in the kitchen, few recipes deliver quite like this ground beef and cabbage combination. This humble yet delicious dish brings together lean ground beef, fresh cabbage, aromatic onions, and tangy tomatoes with a perfect blend of seasonings to create a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility and straightforward preparation. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or someone seeking to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor, this ground beef and cabbage recipe deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this ground beef and cabbage recipe lies in its simplicity. By combining just a handful of everyday ingredients, you create a dish that offers remarkable depth of flavor and satisfying texture. The cabbage softens and absorbs the savory essence of the beef while still maintaining a pleasant bite, creating a perfect balance in each forkful.

Another advantage is how easily this recipe can be adapted to suit different dietary needs or ingredient availability. The basic formula works with various ground meats, seasoning profiles, and even additional vegetables, making it an incredibly flexible option for home cooks of all experience levels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ground beef and cabbage recipe requires simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen or can easily find at any grocery store:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)

Kitchen Equipment Required

One of the advantages of this recipe is its minimal equipment needs. To prepare this dish, you’ll only need:

• A large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
• A sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, it’s helpful to have all your ingredients prepped and ready:

1. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly, remove the core, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Peel and dice the onion.
3. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
4. Open the can of diced tomatoes and have it ready.
5. Measure out all your seasonings into small bowls or directly have them ready by your cooking area.

Cooking Process

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion to the hot oil and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Once the beef is browned, drain excess fat if necessary.
6. Add salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
7. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It may seem like a lot, but the cabbage will cook down significantly.
8. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and add the Worcestershire sauce if using.
9. Stir everything together, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.
10. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
11. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Helpful Cooking Tips

To ensure your ground beef and cabbage dish turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Don’t rush the beef browning: Take the time to properly brown the ground beef for the best flavor development.
• Season in layers: Adding seasonings at different stages of cooking creates a more complex flavor profile.
• Control the moisture: If your cabbage releases a lot of water during cooking and the dish seems too watery, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce excess liquid.
• Adjust the heat level: For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño with the onions.
• Make ahead: This dish actually improves in flavor when made a day ahead and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.

Nutritional Benefits

This ground beef and cabbage recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:

• High in protein from the lean ground beef, supporting muscle maintenance and providing satiety
• Rich in fiber from the cabbage, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full longer
• Good source of vitamins C and K from the cabbage
• Contains lycopene from the tomatoes, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits
• Relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following lower-carb eating plans

Serving Suggestions

While this ground beef and cabbage dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, you can pair it with various sides to create a more complete meal:

• Grain accompaniments: Serve over rice, quinoa, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices
• Fresh elements: Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide contrast
• Garnishes: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of grated cheese
• Extra vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots or steamed green beans for additional nutritional value

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, consider these creative variations to keep your meal planning interesting:

Different Proteins

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
• Italian sausage for a more robust flavor profile
• Plant-based ground meat substitute to create a vegetarian version

Regional Flavor Adaptations

• Mexican-inspired: Add cumin, chili powder, and top with cilantro and lime
• Asian-inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil in place of the original seasonings
• Eastern European: Include caraway seeds and serve with a dollop of sour cream

Additional Vegetables

• Bell peppers for color and sweetness
• Carrots for added nutrition and natural sweetness
• Mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor
• Zucchini or summer squash during peak season

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the best aspects of this ground beef and cabbage recipe is how well it keeps and reheats:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through.
• Freezing: This dish freezes reasonably well for up to 2-3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Budget-Friendly Aspects

In today’s economy, the cost-effectiveness of this meal can’t be overstated:

• Cabbage is one of the most economical vegetables available year-round
• Ground beef can be purchased in family packs and portioned for multiple meals
• The recipe uses minimal ingredients, most of which are pantry staples
• One batch makes multiple servings, providing excellent value
• The dish is filling enough that smaller portions satisfy, stretching your grocery budget further

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Brown the ground beef and onions on the stovetop first, then transfer to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?

A: This ground beef and cabbage recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for many low-carb and ketogenic diets. To make it even more keto-friendly, you can use sugar-free tomatoes or reduce the amount used.

Q: How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

A: For children who might be hesitant about cabbage, try chopping it more finely so it blends in better. You can also add a bit of shredded cheese on top or serve it over rice or pasta to make it more appealing to younger palates.

Q: What can I substitute for the canned tomatoes?

A: If you don’t have canned tomatoes, you can use 2 tablespoons of tomato paste mixed with 1 cup of water or broth. Alternatively, 2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes will work well, especially during summer when tomatoes are at their peak.

Q: How can I add more flavor to this dish?

A: For enhanced flavor, try adding beef bouillon, a splash of red wine while cooking, or incorporating herbs like fresh thyme or bay leaves. Finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can also brighten the flavors considerably.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground beef and cabbage recipe has stood the test of time for good reason. It embodies everything home cooks value: simplicity, affordability, nutrition, and most importantly, delicious flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for yourself, this versatile dish delivers satisfaction with minimal effort.

The combination of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and the umami richness from tomatoes creates a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in food form. As the ingredients simmer together, they create a harmonious blend that’s greater than the sum of its parts—proving that sometimes the simplest dishes are truly the most satisfying.

So the next time you’re standing in front of your refrigerator wondering what to make for dinner, remember this humble yet mighty ground beef and cabbage recipe. It might just become your new go-to meal for those days when you need something reliable, nourishing, and undeniably delicious.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb