Let me tell you about one of my go-to comfort dishes: ground beef and chopped cabbage! This dish is a family favorite that never fails to warm my heart and fill my belly. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something hearty and delicious without all the fuss. I love how the savory ground beef pairs perfectly with the tender, slightly sweet cabbage. And don’t get me started on the aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s cooking! It’s just heavenly. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. So, if you’re looking for something easy yet full of flavor, this ground beef and chopped cabbage dish is calling your name. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish together!

Ingredients List

1 lb ground beef
4 cups chopped cabbage, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This ground beef and chopped cabbage dish is so easy to put together, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Grab your skillet, and let’s make this happen!

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoking—just the right balance!
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn translucent. This is where the magic starts; the aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water!
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show—1 lb of ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to stir occasionally, so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
Once the beef is browned, toss in your 4 cups of chopped cabbage along with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir everything together until the cabbage is well mixed with the beef and the flavors start to meld.
Season with 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste—maybe you like a bit more kick? Go for it!
Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This will allow the cabbage to soften and wilt down beautifully. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

And just like that, you’ve got a cozy, delicious meal ready to serve! It’s as simple as that, and trust me, your family will love it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
One-pan dish means less cleanup, which is a win in my book!
Hearty flavors that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber from the cabbage, making it a balanced meal.
Versatile—feel free to adjust seasonings or add in your favorite veggies!
Comforting and filling, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate.
Great for meal prep—leftovers taste just as good the next day!

Tips for Success

To make sure your ground beef and chopped cabbage dish turns out perfectly, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your cooking experience.

Don’t rush the sauté: Take your time cooking the onions and garlic. Sautéing them until they’re nice and translucent not only enhances the flavor but also adds that lovely aroma that gets everyone excited for dinner.
Choose the right heat: Medium heat is key! If it’s too high, the beef might brown too quickly and not give you that juicy texture. We want it perfectly cooked and tender, so keep an eye on it!
Season as you go: Taste your dish at different stages! After adding the soy sauce and cabbage, give it a little taste and adjust the seasoning if you want it bolder. A dash more soy sauce or a pinch of salt can make a world of difference.
Add a splash of vinegar: If you want to brighten up the flavors, a teaspoon of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar added at the end can really elevate the dish!
Make it colorful: Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even snap peas with the cabbage! It adds a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Top it off: Just before serving, sprinkle some sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top for crunch and a fresh finish. It makes everything look so inviting!
Serve with a side: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or crispy noodles. You can even wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun twist!

With these tips, you’re all set to make a delightful meal that everyone will rave about. Happy cooking!

Variations

If you want to mix things up with your ground beef and chopped cabbage dish, I’ve got some fun variations that can add a twist to your meal! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you sauté the onions and garlic. It’ll bring a delightful spice that pairs beautifully with the savory beef and cabbage.
Asian-Inspired: Swap out the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, bolder flavor. You can also throw in some shredded carrots and snap peas during the cooking process for a colorful, crunchy addition!
Herbed Delight: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro towards the end of cooking. It brings a fresh, vibrant flavor that brightens up the dish. Just a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs can make a world of difference!
Cheesy Goodness: For a comforting, cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover the skillet until the cheese melts, and you’ll have a creamy, gooey topping that everyone will adore.
Vegetarian Option: If you want a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can season it similarly, and it’ll soak up all those delicious flavors while providing a healthy plant-based protein.
Southwestern Flair: Add black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin and chili powder for a southwestern twist. This variation pairs wonderfully with some avocado slices and fresh lime on top!

With these variations, you can easily customize your ground beef and chopped cabbage dish to suit your mood or pantry. Have fun experimenting and enjoy the delicious results!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve cooked up a delightful batch of ground beef and chopped cabbage and now you have some leftovers? No worries! This dish stores beautifully, and I’ve got all the tips to help you keep it tasting as great as the first time around.

First off, let the dish cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation which can make your leftovers soggy. Once cooled, transfer the beef and cabbage mix into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days—just make sure to label it with the date so you know when it’s time to enjoy it!

If you want to save it for a longer period, go ahead and freeze it! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now, for reheating, you have a couple of options! You can heat it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be careful as it can get hot quickly!

And there you have it—your ground beef and chopped cabbage leftovers can be just as delicious as the original dish! Enjoy your meal prep success!

Nutritional Information

It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Just keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a rough estimate. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from a serving of this hearty ground beef and chopped cabbage dish:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 300
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 25g

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling option for any meal. Enjoy every bite while knowing you’re fueling your body right!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is my favorite for this dish, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just be mindful that the cooking times may vary slightly based on the meat you choose.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this ground beef and chopped cabbage dish is perfect for meal prep! You can cook it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it!

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even some crispy noodles on the side. You can also wrap the mixture in lettuce leaves for a fun, lighter option!

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand. Bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini would make great additions. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you add denser veggies to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results!

Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage: A Cozy 1-Pan Comfort Meal

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and tasty dish featuring ground beef and chopped cabbage.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
4 cups chopped cabbage
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
Add ground beef; cook until browned.
Stir in chopped cabbage and soy sauce.
Season with black pepper.
Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve hot.
Can be topped with green onions.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 300
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: ground beef, chopped cabbage, easy recipe

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