Description
Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small head of cabbage, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Cabbage:
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
Mix in Tomatoes:
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stir well and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
Serve:
Enjoy hot on its own or over rice for a hearty meal!
A quick and comforting one-pan dinner!
#CabbageAndBeef #OnePanMeal #ComfortFood
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof skillet dinner. First, ensure all your ingredients are prepped: chop the onion, mince the garlic, and core and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until no pink remains. Carefully drain the excess fat into a disposable container. Next, add the onion and garlic to the beef in the skillet. Sauté, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the onion is translucent. Now, add the massive volume of chopped cabbage. It will seem like too much, but stir it in and cover the skillet for 3-4 minutes to let it wilt down. Once reduced, add the entire can of diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine and dissolve the tomato paste. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile skillet dish pairs beautifully with various sides. For a classic, hearty meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. To keep it low-carb, enjoy it as-is or with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to add a fresh, creamy, or salty finish. It also makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
Brown ground beef in a skillet, then drain fat. Sauté onion and garlic with the beef. Add chopped cabbage and let it wilt. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cabbage is tender. Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles work well. Adjust cooking times as needed.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes. Sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can be added with the onions. Leafy greens like spinach can be stirred in at the end.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
The dish is too watery. How can I fix it? Simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Ensure you are using undrained tomatoes as the recipe directs, as the liquid is necessary for cooking the cabbage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the beef; cook in batches if necessary for proper browning. Do not skip draining the excess fat after cooking the beef, as it can make the final dish greasy. Resist the urge to add water when cooking the cabbage; it releases plenty of moisture on its own. Finally, do not under-season. Cabbage requires a good amount of seasoning, so taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
Conclusion
This Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is the epitome of easy, budget-friendly comfort food. With one pan, simple ingredients, and minimal cleanup, it delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy. Its versatility in serving options and adaptability to different ingredients makes it a reliable recipe to return to again and again. Give this hearty skillet dinner a try for a stress-free solution to weeknight cooking.