### Ground Beef and Cabbage: A Warm One-Pot Meal
Ground beef and cabbage cook together in this straightforward, comforting one-pot recipe that’s brimming with warm, savory flavor. It’s an uncomplicated, wallet-friendly dinner that’s ideal for hectic weeknights.
#### Flavor Profile
This meal showcases savory browned beef simmered in a rich tomato base, enhanced by soft cabbage. A zesty dash of Worcestershire sauce and a subtle dill finish elevate the overall flavor, creating a delightful dish for any occasion.
#### Why Make It?
This recipe is crafted for ease: it utilizes just one pot, involves minimal prep work, and offers the cozy tastes of cabbage rolls without the labor of rolling. The cabbage softens to a tender texture, yielding a hearty, low-maintenance dinner.
#### Recommended Tools
For this dish, a **4-quart Dutch oven** or a deep sauté pan with a lid is suggested. A robust spoon will assist in breaking apart the beef and ensuring everything is well combined as it simmers.
#### Serving Suggestions
Serve the ground beef and cabbage blend over **rice**, **egg noodles**, or **mashed potatoes**. For added flair, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The leftovers make a tasty lunch for the following day.
### What You’ll Need
– **Beef**: Choose lean ground beef to keep the meal from being too greasy. Make sure to drain off any excess fat after browning to achieve a rich sauce.
– **Cabbage**: Select a firm, heavy head of cabbage. While green cabbage is ideal, pre-packaged chopped cabbage or coleslaw mix can serve as a convenient alternative.
– **Tomato Sauce Base**: For a creamier sauce, swap diced tomatoes for crushed tomatoes. For additional spice, use a can of Rotel instead of regular diced tomatoes. Beef broth can also be exchanged for chicken broth.
– **Variations**: Introduce red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat. You might consider adding sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots into the cabbage mixture. For a cheesy touch, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese at the end.
### How To Make Ground Beef and Cabbage
1. **Cook and Drain Ground Beef**: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to create a crust. Break it apart and continue cooking until there’s no pink visible. Drain off any fat.
2. **Add Ingredients**: Mix in the onion and garlic, cooking for an additional 3 minutes. Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. **Simmer**: Cover and simmer for 18 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender. If desired, simmer uncovered for an extra 3 to 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
4. **Serve**: Enjoy over rice or pasta.
### Tips for Success
– Allowing the beef to sear without stirring helps build a crust for enhanced flavor.
– Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits after adding the broth; they significantly boost the sauce’s taste.
– Introduce cabbage in large handfuls, stirring as it wilts.
– Cover to simmer for tender cabbage, then uncover at the end for a thicker sauce.
– For a more “cabbage roll” feel, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a spoonful of tomato paste.
### How To Store and Reheat
– **Fridge**: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– **Freeze**: The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. The cabbage may turn slightly softer upon reheating but will remain flavorful.
– **Reheat**: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave covered, stirring occasionally until heated through.
### Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 267
– **Carbohydrates**: 12g
– **Protein**: 16g
– **Fat**: 18g
– **Sodium**: 466mg
– **Fiber**: 4g
This ground beef and cabbage recipe is not only simple to make but also delivers a comforting meal that the entire family will love. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a delicious method to gather everyone around the dinner table.