A hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, tomatoes, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
4–6 servingsEasy
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the Cabbage
Gradually add the chopped cabbage, stirring as it wilts. Cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender.
Step 6: Simmer Until Perfect
Remove the lid and simmer for another 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the broth to reduce slightly. Add more broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Ladle the hot cabbage and ground beef into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Results
- Extra flavor: Use a combination of ground beef and mild Italian sausage.
- Richer broth: Add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.
- More vegetables: Include diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- Creamier texture: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious broth.
The result: Tender, silky cabbage, perfectly seasoned ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and a savory broth that makes every spoonful comforting and delicious.
