Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is a simple, hearty dish that brings together savory beef and tender cabbage in a tasty, no-fuss meal. The mix of browned ground beef with soft, slightly sweet cabbage creates a comforting combination that’s easy to make any night of the week.
I love this dish because it doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients or long cooking times, yet it’s filling and satisfying. One tip I always follow is to cook the beef until it’s nice and browned first, which adds great flavor, and then add the cabbage to soak up all those tasty juices. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
My favorite way to enjoy this meal is with a side of warm bread or over a bed of rice. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something quick but still wholesome. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without any fuss, which always wins at my dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star protein, giving the dish a rich, meaty flavor. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, crumbled tofu or lentils work well too.
Cabbage: Chopped cabbage adds crunch and mild sweetness. Green cabbage is classic, but Napa or Savoy cabbage offer a softer texture. If you can’t find cabbage, shredded kale or bok choy are good alternatives.
Carrot: Carrots bring color and subtle sweetness. You can grate them fine or chop them small so they cook evenly. No carrot? Try parsnips or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build flavor in the base. If fresh garlic isn’t handy, garlic powder works in a pinch, but fresh is best!
Beef Broth & Soy Sauce: Broth moistens the dish and adds depth, while soy sauce boosts umami. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you want less salt, reduce soy sauce or use coconut aminos.
How Do You Cook the Beef and Cabbage to Keep It Flavorful and Not Soggy?
Getting the right texture is key! Here’s how I do it:
- Brown the beef first: Don’t rush this step. Let the ground beef brown well. This adds great flavor from the caramelization.
- Drain excess fat: If there’s too much fat after browning, drain some to prevent greasiness.
- Cook veggies last: After adding cabbage and carrot, add a little broth to steam rather than boil. Cover and simmer gently to soften without turning mushy.
- Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the cabbage. It should be tender but still have a slight crunch for texture.
- Finish uncovered: Remove the lid near the end to evaporate extra liquid and concentrate flavors.
With these steps, you get a dish that’s juicy, but not soggy – full of tasty beef and tender, satisfying cabbage.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan – I like a wide pan because it helps the beef brown evenly and gives enough room to cook the veggies.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – perfect for breaking up the beef and mixing ingredients as it cooks.
- Knife and cutting board – handy for chopping the onion, garlic, cabbage, and carrots quickly and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to add the right amount of broth, soy sauce, and seasonings for flavor.
- Lid for the skillet – useful for steaming the cabbage gently and locking in moisture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still stays flavorful.
- Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon at the end for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Mix in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and color.
- Spice it up with cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.
Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups chopped cabbage (about half a medium head)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped or shredded
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional for savory depth)
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a slight heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend 10-15 minutes prepping the veggies and then about 15 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick, hearty meal perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells delicious and fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it apart with your spatula and cook for 6-8 minutes until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if there’s too much.
3. Season and Add Veggies
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, paprika, and if you like, red pepper flakes. Mix well. Next, add the chopped carrot and cabbage, stirring everything together.
4. Simmer With Broth and Soy Sauce
Pour in the beef broth or water plus soy sauce if you’re using it. Cover the pan with a lid, turn the heat down to medium-low, and let everything simmer for 8-10 minutes. This will soften the cabbage and carrot without making them mushy.
5. Final Touches
Remove the lid and stir your dish. If there’s still too much liquid, cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to let it evaporate. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if you need.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the warm ground beef and cabbage as is, or over fluffy steamed rice or with crusty bread on the side for a simple, comforting meal.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and cook safely.
What Can I Substitute for Cabbage?
If you don’t have cabbage, try using shredded kale, Napa cabbage, or even bok choy. These will give you a similar texture and mild flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, reheat on low heat and add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.