Description
Hearty cabbage and ground beef casserole brings comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Savory layers of tender cabbage and seasoned beef create a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights palates with its rustic charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large skillet and heat it to medium temperature for browning the ground beef.
- Crumble the ground beef into the pan, using a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces while cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown color and releases its juices (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Create space in the pan by moving the browned beef to one side, then introduce chopped onions to the empty area, sautéing until they become translucent and soft (around 3-4 minutes).
- Add minced garlic to the onions, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant oils (1-2 minutes).
- Pour diced tomatoes with their natural juices into the skillet, creating a vibrant base for the dish.
- Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating bouillon powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a measured amount of salt, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat to create a simmering environment, letting the flavors meld together for approximately 5 minutes.
- Introduce chopped cabbage to the skillet, carefully folding it into the existing mixture to ensure even coating.
- Cover the pan to trap steam and promote even cooking, letting the cabbage soften and absorb the surrounding flavors for 10-15 minutes.
- Periodically stir the contents to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Taste the dish and make final adjustments to seasoning, adding salt or additional spices as needed to balance the flavors.
- When the cabbage reaches a tender consistency, transfer the completed dish to serving plates.
- Complement the meal by pairing with rice, bread, or potatoes, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to add a bright, fresh note.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper for those who prefer mild or hot dishes.
- For low-carb dieters, serve this cabbage and ground beef skillet without rice or bread to keep the meal ketogenic-friendly.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and create a versatile protein option.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots during the cooking process for increased vitamins and fiber content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg