Are you looking for a hearty, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner that will satisfy the whole family? Look no further! This one-pan cabbage and ground beef recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, packed with flavor and simple to prepare. It’s so good, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, and everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, finely diced or grated
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ tsp (2.5g) salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp (1.25g) black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- ½ tsp (1.25g) paprika
- 1 cup (250ml) tomato sauce
- 1 lb (450g) green cabbage, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes golden and translucent.
- Add Carrots: Stir in the grated carrots and sauté with the onions for another 2 minutes until they are slightly softened.
- Introduce Garlic: Add the finely diced or grated garlic cloves and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the frying pan. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring gently.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with an additional ½ teaspoon each of paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well with the beef and vegetables. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Cabbage: While the beef simmers, thinly slice the cabbage into strips.
- Combine and Cook Cabbage: Stir the sliced cabbage into the ground beef mixture in the pan. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Final Simmer: Place the lid back on the pan and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. For an extra touch of creaminess and flavor, serve each portion with a teaspoon of sour cream on top.
Time, Serving, and Nutrition
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Nutrition (approximate per serving): This dish is a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Why This Recipe is Good and Healthy
This Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy and beneficial for you. Cabbage is a fantastic source of vitamins K and C, and a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion. Carrots add a boost of Vitamin A and antioxidants. Lean ground beef provides essential protein and iron, crucial for energy and muscle health. The one-pan preparation minimizes cleanup and retains more nutrients compared to boiling. It’s a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that supports overall well-being.