Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean ground beef for a healthier option)
• 1 small head of cabbage (or half a large cabbage), chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or any oil of your choice)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (optional for umami flavor)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Once cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary, and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic:
   • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the cabbage:
   • Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir well. It may seem like a lot of cabbage at first, but it wilts down as it cooks.
   • Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cook the cabbage:
   • Pour in the beef broth (or water) and soy sauce (if using). Stir everything together, making sure the cabbage is coated in the flavors.
   • Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should soften and shrink down.
   • If you want the cabbage to be more tender, cook it a bit longer, but be careful not to overcook it and make it too mushy.
5. Finish and serve:
   • Once the cabbage is tender and everything is combined, taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more salt, pepper, or soy sauce as desired).
   • Garnish with red pepper flakes for heat and fresh parsley for color (optional).
   • Serve hot! You can enjoy this dish on its own or with a side of rice, potatoes, or bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. One-Pan Meal: This recipe is super simple, with minimal cleanup since everything is cooked in one pan.
2. Quick & Hearty: The dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of beef and cabbage makes for a satisfying meal that’s also nutritious.
3. Affordable & Flexible: Ground beef is usually affordable, and cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable. You can also make substitutions based on what you have on hand, such as swapping the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
4. Packed with Flavor: The seasonings like paprika, cumin, and soy sauce give it a savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender cabbage.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it spicy: Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños if you like more heat.
• Add veggies: You can throw in some carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini to make it more colorful and nutritious.
• Serve over rice: If you want to make it a more filling meal, serve it over a bed of cooked rice or noodles.
• Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, so it’s great for meal prep.

Here are some additional ideas and variations you can try with the Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe, along with other ways to enjoy it!

Add More Veggies for Extra Nutrition:

1. Carrots: Shred or chop a few carrots and add them to the skillet. They’ll add a nice sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
2. Bell Peppers: Slice up bell peppers (any color) and sauté them with the onions and garlic. The peppers will add color and sweetness to the dish.
3. Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the beef and onions. They’ll add an earthy flavor and extra texture to the dish.
4. Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) can be added in with the cabbage for a bit of acidity and moisture.

Make It a Stir-Fry:

If you want a quick, stir-fry version, try adding:

• A tablespoon or two of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for a sweet-savory kick.
• A few splashes of sesame oil to give it a nutty flavor.
• Fresh ginger to bring some warmth and freshness to the dish.

Try It with Different Proteins:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a leaner version, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will still be delicious, but it’ll be lighter.
• Pork: Ground pork is another great option. It has a bit more fat and richness than turkey or chicken, but still feels lighter than beef.
• Beef Steak Strips: If you prefer beef steak, you can slice up thin strips of beef (like flank or skirt steak) and sauté it with the cabbage for a different texture and flavor.

Transform It Into a Casserole:

If you’re looking for a make-ahead dish or a comforting casserole version, try this:

1. Once the beef and cabbage are cooked, transfer everything into a baking dish.
2. Top with shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend).
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. You can also add breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy, golden crust.

Serve It with a Side of Rice or Potatoes:

• Rice: For a more filling meal, serve it over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
• Potatoes: You could also serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even boiled baby potatoes. The cabbage and beef will pair wonderfully with the creamy texture of mashed potatoes.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, serve the dish over cauliflower rice.

Spicy Kick:

If you love spice, here are a few ways to add heat to your dish:

• Hot Sauce: Add your favorite hot sauce on top before serving.
• Jalapeños: Slice fresh jalapeños and sauté them with the onions and garlic for a fresh, spicy kick.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Stir in a little chili garlic sauce for a tangy, spicy flavor.
• Sriracha: Drizzle a bit of sriracha on top of the finished dish for added spice and flavor.

Use Different Seasonings:

• Curry Powder: For a different flavor profile, try adding curry powder to the cabbage and beef mixture. It will give the dish an aromatic, slightly sweet flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil can add an extra layer of fragrance and flavor to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Swap the cumin and paprika for Italian seasoning for an Italian-inspired twist.

Meal Prep:

This dish is great for meal prep! You can:

• Make a large batch and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• You can also freeze portions for up to 2-3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to eat.

Serve as Tacos or Wraps:

If you’re craving something different, try using this ground beef and cabbage mix as a filling for:

• Tacos: Fill soft or hard taco shells with the beef and cabbage mixture, add some salsa, cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious taco night.
• Wraps: Use lettuce wraps or flour tortillas to make fresh wraps with the beef-cabbage filling. Add toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, and hot sauce for extra flavor.

Make It a Soup:

For a comforting, soup-like version of this dish:

1. Add more beef broth (or vegetable broth) to the pan.
2. Let it simmer until the cabbage softens and the flavors meld together. You can even throw in some beans or potatoes to make it heartier.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese for a delicious soup!

This recipe is super flexible, and you can adjust it based on what you like or what you have in your pantry. You can even switch up the seasonings to reflect different cuisines—whether you’re in the mood for something Mediterranean, Asian-inspired, or more of a classic comfort dish. It’s all about getting creative and making it your own!

This Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage recipe is a perfect balance of savory, hearty, and delicious, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Plus, you can always tweak the seasoning to suit your personal taste!