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Ground beef and cabbage—it may not sound like much, but this humble duo packs a punch when it comes to creating a wholesome, flavorful meal.
Whether you’re a home cook looking for something hearty to share with your family or a health-conscious eater seeking a nutritious and satisfying dish, ground beef and cabbage recipes deserve a place on your plate.
This blog is your go-to guide for mastering this delicious pairing. We’ll dig into the health benefits of these ingredients, get hands-on with a simple yet flavorful recipe, explore customization tips, and even answer your most burning questions.
By the end, you’ll be ready to create a meal that’s as healthy as it is comforting.
Table of Contents
Why Ground Beef and Cabbage? A Power Duo in Your Kitchen
Ground beef and cabbage bring unbeatable health benefits to your meals while being readily available and budget-friendly. Here’s what both ingredients bring to the table:
Ground Beef
Ground beef is a delicious staple in many homes, packed with protein and vital nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins for a healthy diet! These elements are crucial for energy levels, muscle repair, and a strong immune system.
When choosing ground beef, go for leaner cuts (such as 90% lean) to keep the dish healthy without compromising on flavor.
Cabbage
Underrated but incredibly versatile, cabbage is a nutrient powerhouse. It’s packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants that can support digestion, heart health, and immunity. Plus, cabbage is low in calories, making it a fantastic ingredient to bulk up any dish without adding unnecessary calories.
When combined, these two ingredients create the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors
Ground beef adds an exciting depth to the dish, with its savory flavor beautifully elevated by an agreeable blend of herbs and spices, creating delightful layers of complexity you’ll truly enjoy!
These seasonings perfectly complement the mild sweetness of the slowly cooked cabbage, which becomes tender and slightly caramelized as it simmers. Together, they create a harmonious combination of flavors that’s both hearty and comforting.
- Perfectly Tender
Baking the layers together at a low temperature allows the cabbage to slowly soften into melt-in-your-mouth goodness, transforming its texture into something tender and delicate while retaining all its natural juices.
This gentle cooking process enhances the flavors, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and full of rich, comforting taste.
- Minimal Effort
With just a pan and 15minutes prep time, you can whip up a complete, hearty meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. It’s a perfect option for hectic evenings when you crave homemade goodness without the long prep time. Quick, simple, and bursting with flavor—dinner just got exciting!
Cooking Ground Beef and Cabbage—A Step-by-Step Guide
If you love one-pot meals as much as I do, this ground beef and cabbage casserole is about to become a favorite. It’s simple, requires little prep work, and leaves your kitchen smelling divine.
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 cabbage (about 770g)
- 450g ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/7 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp dried sage
- 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (modify according to your preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Butter
Instructions
- Season the Ground Beef
Mix the ground beef with salt, parsley, paprika, oregano, fennel seeds, garlic powder, thyme, sage, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Layer the Ingredients
Take a tablespoon of butter and gently melt it in a large pan! Add 1/3 of the chopped cabbage as the base layer. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Incorporate half of the seasoned beef as the next layer, followed by an additional third of the cabbage on top.
Add more butter (about half a tablespoon), followed by the remaining beef, and finish with the last layer of cabbage. Put the butter over the top layer and season with more salt and pepper.
- Cover and Bake
Cover the skillet tightly with parchment paper, then seal with a lid or foil. Bake at 150°C (300°F) for about 2 hours, until the cabbage becomes tender and sweet.
- Serve and Enjoy
Dish it up hot and savor every bite of this warm, flavorful creation.
Customizing Your Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few variations to suit different dietary needs or preferences:
- Vegetarian Option
Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like lentils, crumbled tofu, or vegan mince to create a delicious and sustainable meal. Lentils are rich in protein and have a hearty texture, making them perfect for dishes like tacos or spaghetti Bolognese.
Crumbled tofu absorbs flavors well and is a versatile option for stir-fries or chili. Vegan mince offers a similar texture to ground beef and works great in traditional recipes. To enhance the flavor, add ingredients like soy sauce, miso, or smoked paprika for a savory, umami-rich taste.
- Low-Carb Modification
Opt for half the cabbage in your recipe and substitute the rest with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles for an extra low-carb kick. Riced cauliflower offers a delightful, nutty flavor, and zucchini noodles add a refreshing, light texture.
This fantastic swap is ideal for those wanting to reduce carbs while enjoying delicious flavors and exciting variety in their meals!
- Spice it Up
Swap out the paprika for smoked paprika or chipotle to add a deeper, richer flavor with a hint of smokiness and a slightly spicy kick. This simple substitution can elevate your dish, enhancing both its aroma and taste, making it ideal for those who love bold and vibrant flavors. I recently tried this smoked paprika, and wow, it was fantastic! I loved it!
- Add Texture
Add a delightful crunch and boost the flavor of your dish by sprinkling on some toasted nuts or seeds—think almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds! You’ll love this delicious upgrade!
Pairing Ideas for your Delicious Ground Beef and Cabbage
This dish is so hearty and satisfying that it can hold on its own, but if you’re in the mood, you can also enjoy it with:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes make for the perfect addition to any classic comfort food meal. Their rich, buttery texture pairs wonderfully with savory dishes, creating a warm and satisfying combination that is hard to resist.
- Brown rice or quinoa: When choosing a nutritious and fiber-rich base for your meals, consider using brown rice or quinoa. Brown rice is a whole grain that retains its bran and germ, making it a great source of fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals. On the other hand, Quinoa is a fantastic choice! It is a full protein that contains all nine essential amino acids and is also abundant in fiber and antioxidants. What a nutritional powerhouse! Both options not only boost the nutritional profile of your dishes but also provide a satisfying texture and flavor that can complement a wide variety of ingredients.
- Crusty bread: A warm side of freshly baked, crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all the delicious extra juices from your meal. The golden-brown crust offers a satisfying crunch, while the soft, fluffy interior is ideal for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
Storing Your Ground Beef and Cabbage
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly:
- Fridge: Place leftover food in a sealed container and keep it in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days.
- Freezer: You can freeze portions for up to two months. Defrost in the refrigerator for the night and warm it up in a skillet or microwave.
How to Serve your Cabbage and Ground Beef?
To serve, spoon a generous portion onto plates, ensuring each serving is evenly distributed for a satisfying presentation. Add some freshly chopped parsley on top to give your dish a fun splash of color and a delightful herbal scent!
For an extra zing and to elevate the flavors, drizzle with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a touch of hot sauce, adjusting to your taste preference. Enjoy it with some warm, crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a cozy and tasty meal!
Cook Healthier, Feel Better!
Cabbage and ground beef recipes offer more than just comfort—they’re simple, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. Perfect for family dinners or weekly meal prep, it’s guilt-free and will have you looking forward to every delightful bite.
Give it a try, share it with friends, and check out our collection of other healthy recipes to explore new, exciting dishes. Making meals at home has never been this tasty!
Frequently Asked Questions – Ground Beef and Cabbage
I’ve gathered answers to your most common questions right here, so everything you need is at your fingertips—no need to search anywhere else! Enjoy exploring!
Can I Use other Kinds of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can totally explore other ground meats like chicken, turkey, or even lamb if ground beef isn’t your favorite. Each of these options adds a unique flavor to your dish, so don’t hesitate to get creative and discover the combination that excites your taste buds the most! Happy cooking!
Is this Recipe Keto-Friendly?
Absolutely! The ingredients are low-carb and high in healthy fats, especially if you use butter or other keto-friendly fats like coconut oil or ghee. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone following the keto diet, as it helps maintain ketosis while providing a delicious and satisfying meal or snack. Plus, it’s easy to customize with additional keto-approved ingredients to suit your taste!
Is this Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe is completely gluten-free. However, if you decide to add any additional ingredients, such as soy sauce or certain seasonings, just remember to check the labels and make sure they are gluten-free.
Can I Throw in more Veggies into this Dish?
You can easily bulk up this recipe with more veggies. Consider adding sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach. Layer them into the skillet alongside the cabbage for added color and nutrients.
Can I Skip the Butter?
While butter enhances the flavor of dishes with its rich, creamy taste, it can be swapped for olive oil or avocado oil as a healthier alternative. Olive oil brings a subtle, earthy flavor and is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while avocado oil offers a mild, buttery taste along with high levels of antioxidants and vitamins. Both options are great for cooking and provide a nutritious twist without sacrificing quality.
How Do I Prevent this Ground Beef and Cabbage Meal from Becoming too Greasy?
If you’re concerned about excess grease, choose ground beef that is labeled as either lean or extra lean for a healthier option. You can also drain any rendered fat from the skillet before layering the ingredients.
Is this Recipe Suitable for Meal Prepping?
Yes! This recipe is great for getting meals ready ahead of time because it warms up nicely and retains its taste for days. Divide leftovers into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Recipe Card
One Pan Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Whip up a nutritious, hearty meal with this ground beef and cabbage casserole recipe! Simple, healthy, and packed with flavor.
6
servings15
minutes2
hours228
kcal2
hours15
minutesKeep your screen On! You don't want to miss anything
Ingredients You’ll Need!
1 unit cabbage (about 770g)
450 g ground beef
½ tsp salt
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp Paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp garlic powder
1/7 tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp dried sage
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (modify according to your preference)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Recommended Products
Glad Knife Set with Cutting Board, 5 PiecesI Like it!
Skillet Induction CookwareI love it!
OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl SetBest for brining and marinating!
parchment sheet 12×16Very useful!
Garlic powderWhat can I say it’s good stuff!
Land O Lakes Salted Butter Half SticksMy go-to butter.
Dried parsleyGreat Flavor!!
Dried sageTastes as it should! Highly recommend it!
Dried oreganoAUTHENTIC!
Dried ThymeGreat organic herb!
Fennel seedsA little goes a long way!
PaprikaThis Smoked Paprika Is Fantastic!
Steps to Follow!
- Mix the ground beef with salt, parsley, paprika, oregano, fennel seeds, garlic powder, thyme, sage and red pepper flakes in a large bowl
- Grab a large skillet and melt 1 tbsp of the butter
- Put about 1/3 of the cabbage in the buttered pan
- Season with salt and black pepper
- Cover with ½ of the meat
- Add ½ tbsp. of the butter in the middle
- Repeat, ending with a final layer of cabbage and top with butter
- Season with salt and black pepper
- Cover the pan tightly with a layer of parchment paper
- Then top it with a lid or a layer of aluminum foil
Tips
- The nutritional info is based on my specific ingredients and brands, so check your own labels for accuracy.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 228kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 191mg
- Potassium: 683mg
- Carbohydrates: 3.3g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Protein: 28.4g
- Vitamin C: 84mg
- Iron: 17mg
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