Why This Beef & Cabbage Recipe Is So Loved
• One-pan meal (easy cleanup)
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• High-protein and filling
• Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
• Rich, savory flavor with minimal effort
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
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Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Main Ingredients
• 700 g (1½ lb) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 medium green cabbage, cut into large chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
Optional Enhancements
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for deeper flavor)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley for garnish
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Choosing the Right Cabbage
Green cabbage is ideal for this recipe because:
• It softens beautifully when cooked
• It absorbs beef juices and spices
• It holds its shape without turning mushy
Avoid napa cabbage for this dish—it cooks too quickly and releases too much water.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before cooking:
• Chop onion into medium pieces
• Mince garlic
• Cut cabbage into large chunks (not too thin)
• Dice tomatoes
Having everything ready ensures smooth cooking.
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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
1. Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil.
3. Add ground beef and break it into crumbles.
4. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until fully browned.
5. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Drain excess fat if needed, but keep a little for flavor.
Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
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Step 3: Sauté Onion & Garlic
1. In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
2. Add chopped onion.
3. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and golden.
4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
This builds the flavor base.
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Step 4: Add Tomatoes & Spices
1. Stir in chopped tomatoes.
2. Add paprika, oregano, cumin, and chili flakes.
3. Optional: Add tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce.
4. Cook for 3–4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
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Step 5: Add Cabbage
1. Add cabbage in batches if necessary.
2. Stir gently to coat with sauce.
3. Cover the pan with a lid.
4. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The cabbage will:
• Shrink significantly
• Become tender but still slightly firm
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Step 6: Combine Beef & Finish Cooking
1. Return cooked ground beef to the pan.
2. Mix everything gently.
3. Cover again and cook 5 more minutes.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning.
At this stage, the dish should be juicy, tender, and deeply flavorful.
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Texture & Flavor Breakdown
• Beef: Juicy, well-seasoned, savory
• Cabbage: Soft, slightly sweet, infused with meat juices
• Sauce: Light, tomato-based, rich without being heavy
The cabbage absorbs the beef flavor beautifully, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
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Popular Variations
Mediterranean Style
Add:
• Cinnamon pinch
• Allspice
• Serve with rice or flatbread
Asian-Inspired Version
Add:
• Soy sauce
• Ginger
• Sesame oil
• Finish with green onions
Spicy Version
Add:
• Harissa
• Cayenne pepper
• Fresh chili peppers
Keto-Friendly
Skip tomatoes and add:
• Butter
• Garlic
• Extra herbs
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Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with:
• Steamed rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread
• Cauliflower rice
• Simple green salad
It can be served as:
• Main dish
• Filling for wraps
• Topping for baked potatoes
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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration
• Store in airtight container
• Keeps up to 4 days
Freezing
• Freeze fully cooled
• Keeps up to 2 months
Reheating
• Stovetop: medium heat with splash of water
• Microwave: cover and heat evenly
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
• ❌ Cutting cabbage too thin
• ❌ Overcooking until mushy
• ❌ Skipping browning step
• ❌ Under-seasoning (cabbage needs salt)
• ❌ Cooking on too high heat after adding cabbage
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Nutrition (Approx. per Serving)
• Calories: 350–400 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Carbs: 10–12 g
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Final Thoughts
This ground beef and cabbage skillet is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With one pan and a handful of ingredients, you get a hearty, nourishing meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any day of the week.