How to Make Cabbage and Ground Meat
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. You want them to be small enough to cook down easily but still retain some texture. Set it aside while you cook the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground meat to the pan. Break it up with a spatula or spoon as it cooks, ensuring that it browns evenly. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them in the remaining oil and meat drippings. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. If the pan seems dry, you can add a bit more olive oil.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Now, it’s time to add your chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir it into the onion and garlic mixture, allowing the cabbage to cook down slightly. Season with a little more salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin for added flavor.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Once the cabbage has softened a bit, add in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the tomato paste. Stir everything together, ensuring the tomato paste is well incorporated into the mixture. Pour in the broth to help deglaze the pan and create a bit of moisture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Combine the Meat and Cabbage
After the cabbage has softened and the tomatoes have broken down into a sauce, return the cooked ground meat to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring the meat is evenly distributed throughout the cabbage mixture. Let it simmer together for another 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is tender and well-seasoned, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary—adding more salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be enjoyed on its own as a low-carb meal, or you can serve it alongside various sides to make it even more filling:
- Over rice: Serve the cabbage and meat mixture over steamed white or brown rice for a satisfying, complete meal.
- With crusty bread: Dip into the savory sauce with a warm slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls.
- With mashed potatoes: The rich and tender cabbage mixture pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes.
Tips and Variations
- Add bacon: For extra richness, try sautéing a few strips of chopped bacon before adding the onions and garlic. The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the sweetness of the cabbage perfectly.
- Use different vegetables: While cabbage is the star of this recipe, you can bulk it up with other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the dish for a spicy kick.
- Make it cheesy: For an indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top and place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
No Responses Yet