Description
A quick and hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage skillet dish ready in just 20 minutes. This savory recipe combines lean ground beef with tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and a flavorful blend of tomato sauce, paprika, and beef broth for a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ of a medium cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
- 1 medium to large onion, chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce or tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth or vegetable broth
Seasonings and Oils
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ teaspoons paprika (regular or smoked)
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through with a golden color. Drain excess fat if necessary and set beef aside.
- Sauté Onion and Carrot: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft. Then add the grated or julienned carrot and continue cooking until the carrot softens.
- Add Tomato and Broth: Stir in the tomato sauce or paste along with the beef or vegetable broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften further.
- Add Cabbage and Seasonings: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Cover with a lid and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens to your preferred texture—partially wilted if you like a crunch, or longer for fully soft cabbage.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir everything together. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, quick meal.
- Cooking Tip: Adjust cabbage cooking time based on your texture preference — a little crunch or fully soft works well in this versatile recipe.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein or lentils and use vegetable broth.
- Smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor, but regular paprika works just as well.
- Drain excess fat after cooking the beef to reduce calories and fat content.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, boiled potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.