
Cabbage and Minced Meat: A Comforting Homestyle Dish Full of Flavor and Tradition
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both nutritious and budget-friendly, look no further than Cabbage and Minced Meat. This dish combines tender cabbage leaves with seasoned minced meat, simmered or baked to perfection in a flavorful sauce. It’s simple to make, deeply satisfying, and beloved in many cultures—from Eastern European kitchens to Asian and Mediterranean homes. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish at home.
🥬 Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage (green or Savoy works best)
- 500 g (1 lb) minced meat (beef, lamb, pork, or a combination)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or 1 cup tomato sauce)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional for a warmer flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or parsley)
- ½ cup cooked rice (optional, for a heartier version)
- 1 cup water or broth (chicken or beef)
🔪 Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Remove any damaged outer leaves and cut out the thick core at the bottom.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and carefully place the whole cabbage inside.
- Boil for about 5–7 minutes until the outer leaves soften.
- Gently remove the leaves with tongs and set them aside to cool.
- Tip: If the leaves are thick, you can flatten the central vein with a knife or rolling pin for easier folding later.
Step 2: Cook the Minced Meat Filling
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the minced meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Add grated carrot, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- If using, stir in cooked rice and dried herbs.
- Let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Your kitchen will now smell wonderfully rich and savory!









No Responses Yet