This ground beef cabbage recipe is a wholesome, comforting dish that combines savory flavors with hearty textures. It’s a one-pot wonder that features tender cabbage leaves filled with a delicious mix of seasoned ground beef, rice, and spices, all simmered to perfection. The result is a flavorful meal that is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The combination of seasoned ground beef and tender cabbage creates a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. It fits perfectly into a balanced diet, as it’s packed with protein and nutrients while being low in carbohydrates. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your palate, making it a fantastic option for everyone in your family.
Tips and Tricks
To make this ground beef cabbage recipe even easier, consider prepping your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the cabbage and vegetables, and mix the seasonings together so that everything is ready to go when you start cooking. For added flavor, try browning the beef with garlic and onions before adding the other ingredients. If you want to speed up the cooking process, use a pressure cooker or instant pot to cook the dish in a fraction of the time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the cabbage, which can lead to a mushy texture. Keep an eye on it and cook just until tender. Another mistake is not seasoning the beef adequately; make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Lastly, avoid using too much liquid, which can make the dish soupy rather than cohesive.
Make Ahead Tips
For meal preppers, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also prepare the filling in advance and store it separately from the cabbage. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble and bake. Leftovers can be frozen for up to three months, making it a great option for quick meals on busy days.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add different vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the filling. For a kick of flavor, try adding some chili powder or smoked paprika into the mix. If you prefer a different cooking method, you can also stuff the mixture into bell peppers instead of cabbage.
How to Serve
Serve the finished dish hot from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a touch of color. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to balance the meal. For an extra pop of flavor, drizzle with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a refreshing iced tea or lemonade works well too. As for sides, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. For dessert, a light fruit sorbet can cleanse the palate perfectly after this hearty meal.
How to Store
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave until heated through to preserve the texture of the cabbage.
Equipment Needed
You will need a large skillet or pot for cooking, a cutting board, and a sharp knife for chopping your ingredients. If you’re using a pressure cooker, this can help streamline the cooking process, but it’s not necessary as a traditional stovetop method works just as well.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and ensure any added sauces are dairy-free. For a gluten-free option, replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice, and check labels on any sauces used for gluten content.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring and summer, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a bright flavor. In the fall and winter, you might want to incorporate warming spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a cozy twist. Additionally, you can use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or squash in the filling during the summer months.
Cost Breakdown
This recipe is budget-friendly, costing approximately $2.50 per serving, making it an economical choice for families. To save further, consider using frozen vegetables or substituting rice with less expensive grains like barley.
Kitchen Hacks
To speed up the process of chopping cabbage, use a mandoline slicer or a food processor. When cooking ground beef, break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning and prevent clumping. For easy cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper before adding the filling.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for ground beef.
- How long does it take to cook? The total cooking time is about 45 minutes, but using a pressure cooker can reduce this significantly.
- What can I substitute for rice? Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives for a lower-carb option.
How To Make ground beef cabbage recipe
Ground Beef Cabbage
This ground beef cabbage recipe is a wholesome, comforting dish that combines savory flavors with hearty textures.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover for 15 minutes until rice is cooked.
- While the filling cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and blanch the leaves for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and set aside.
- Once the filling is ready, take a cabbage leaf and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture into the center. Fold the sides over and roll it up carefully. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling
- Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour any remaining beef broth over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the rolls are heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 614Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 101mgSodium 1106mgCarbohydrates 61gFiber 7gSugar 10gProtein 40g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This ground beef cabbage recipe is not only a comforting and delicious option for dinner but also a versatile dish that can be adapted to fit various dietary needs and preferences. With its ease of preparation and the ability to make ahead, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe with your loved ones!
