Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry: A Simple and Tasty Meal
This Ground Beef and Cabbage recipe is a quick, easy, and healthy dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! It’s perfect for busy nights, and it’s also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great choice for various dietary needs. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
What You Need:
- Cabbage: You can use chopped or shredded cabbage. If you’re in a hurry, a bag of coleslaw mix works perfectly.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the best choice for this dish. It’s healthier and has less fat to drain.
- Carrots: Grated or julienned carrots add a natural sweetness that complements the beef.
- Tomato Paste: A high-quality tomato paste (preferably from an Italian brand) will give a rich flavor.
- Onion: Adds flavor and depth to the dish.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning.
- ▢1 lb lean ground beef
- ▢1 small cabbage head, coarsely chopped
- ▢2 tablespoons coconut oil
- ▢1 medium carrot, coarsely grated
- ▢1 medium onion, chopped
- ▢3 cloves garlic, minced
- ▢⅔ cup tomato sauce
- ▢1 cup vegetable or beef stock
- Cook the Beef: Start by heating some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef turns golden brown. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Cook the Onion and Carrots: In the same skillet, sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add the grated carrots and cook until they’re tender.
- Add the Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth (or vegetable broth) and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Add the Cabbage: Stir in the cabbage along with some salt, pepper, and paprika. Cover the skillet and let the cabbage cook until it’s tender. You can cook it longer if you prefer the cabbage to be very soft.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stir everything together, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt, if desired.
Variations:
If you want to switch things up, here are some ideas:
- Add Rice: Cook some rice and mix it in for a more filling meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Try using grated cauliflower or broccoli instead of rice.
- Spicy: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Different Flavors: Experiment with adding soy sauce, taco seasoning, or BBQ sauce for a unique twist.
What to Serve It With:
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Rice: White rice or even Asian noodles like ramen or soba.
- Salads: A light cucumber salad or a tomato mozzarella salad would be a great side.
- Vegetables: Mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts would pair nicely.
Tips:
- Cabbage Prep: To chop the cabbage, start by removing any damaged leaves. Cut the cabbage in half and slice it thinly from top to bottom. You can make the strips smaller if you prefer.
- Leftovers: This meal keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for 2-3 months. Just reheat in a skillet when you’re ready to eat.
- Meal Prep: If you’re preparing meals in advance, portion the stir-fry into containers with some cooked rice. When ready to eat, just microwave for 2 minutes.
Nutrition Info (per serving):
- Calories: 234 kcal
- Carbs: 3.3g
- Protein: 28.4g
- Fat: 11.2g
This easy ground beef and cabbage stir fry is a tasty and affordable meal that you can make any day of the week! It’s healthy, filling, and customizable to your tastes. Enjoy!
