Cabbage and Ground Beef – The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Introduction

If there’s one meal that combines simplicity, nutrition, and pure comfort, it’s cabbage and ground beef. This humble dish brings together two basic ingredients to create something truly satisfying and budget-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for the family on a weeknight or meal prepping for days ahead, this skillet dish will never let you down.

It’s hearty, flavorful, filling, and best of all — easy to make in one pan. The cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet as it cooks down, while the ground beef adds rich, meaty depth. Toss in a few spices and canned tomatoes, and you’ve got a meal that warms both the belly and the soul.

 Ingredients (Serves 6)

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped into strips

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, diced (optional)

• 14 oz (400g) can of diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 cup broth)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)

• Pinch of chili flakes or cayenne (optional)

To serve:

• Fresh parsley (chopped)

• White rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread

 Time Needed

 Instructions

1. Prep the Veggies

• Dice the onion and garlic.

• Chop the cabbage into thin strips, removing the core if needed.

• Dice the carrots if using.

2. Cook the Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned.

5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.

3. Add the Veggies

1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add the diced tomatoes, carrots, and bouillon (or broth).

3. Gradually stir in the cabbage (it will seem like a lot, but it cooks down).

4. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 Tip: If it looks dry while cooking, add a splash of water or broth.

4. Finish and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning.

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

• Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or with fresh bread.

How to Serve It

• Over steamed rice for a balanced bowl

• With mashed or roasted potatoes

• Stuffed into tortillas for a cabbage-beef taco

• Topped with shredded cheese and baked like a casserole

• With a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt

 Tips & Variations

• Make it lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken.

• Make it spicier: Add chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes.

• Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, peas.

• Add grains: Mix in cooked quinoa or barley.

• One-pot rice version: Add 1 cup uncooked rice and 2 cups water. Simmer until rice is cooked.

• Cheesy casserole: Top with shredded cheddar and bake for 10 minutes.

 Storage & Reheating

 Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)

 Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Affordable ingredients

• Nutritious and filling

• Easy to scale for meal prep or big families

• Delicious hot or reheated

• Naturally gluten-free and low-carb

• Comforting and versatile

🇺🇸 An American-Style Favorite

This recipe is a staple in many American kitchens — a mix of southern skillet food and Midwest casserole vibes. It’s the kind of meal grandma made: no frills, just real food that fills you up.

It’s also popular in keto and paleo communities because it’s grain-free and veggie-rich.

 Quick Recipe Recap

• Name: Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

• Total time: 50–60 minutes

• Effort: Easy

• Best for: Weeknight dinners, batch cooking

• Storage: Fridge (4 days), Freezer (3 months)

• Serve with: Rice, bread, potatoes

• Calories: ~330 per serving

 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a satisfying, affordable, and easy dinner that feels like home, this Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is the way to go. It’s cozy, customizable, and made with pantry staples. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.