Here’s a comforting, old-school style Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe β a simple skillet or one-pot dish that many remember from grandmaβs kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, hearty, and full of rustic flavor.
π₯ Old-Fashioned Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
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1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6β8 cups)
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1β2 tbsp olive oil or butter (if needed)
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Optional: a splash of Worcestershire sauce or vinegar for depth
πͺ Instructions:
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Brown the beef:
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion.
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Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Add cabbage:
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Stir in the chopped cabbage. It will look like a lot, but it cooks down.
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Add a splash of oil or butter if the pan is dry.
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Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10β12 minutes, until the cabbage softens and starts to caramelize.
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Add tomatoes and seasonings:
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Stir in the canned tomatoes (with juice), paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire or vinegar if using.
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Simmer for 10β15 minutes, uncovered, until cabbage is tender and flavors meld.
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Taste and serve:
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Adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve hot, optionally with a side of crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over rice.
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π Variations:
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Add cooked rice or potatoes at the end to make it stretch even further.
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Top with shredded cheddar and let it melt for a cheesy version.
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Use Italian sausage or ground turkey for a flavor twist.