Ground beef and chopped cabbage is one of those simple, satisfying meals that transforms basic ingredients into something truly comforting. The tender cabbage soaks up all those savory flavors while the beef creates a hearty base that fills you up without weighing you down.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
I always reach for the freshest cabbage I can find with tight, crisp leaves and no browning at the edges. The quality of your beef and vegetables really shines through in this simple dish, so it’s worth spending an extra minute selecting good ingredients.
- 1 lb ground beef (I recommend 85/15 for the best flavor without excess grease)
- ½ head green cabbage, shredded (about 4-5 cups)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic makes all the difference here)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika (I usually use smoked paprika for extra depth)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, optional (my preference is to include it for umami)
- 1 cup beef broth or water (in my experience, broth adds richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, taking just a few extra minutes to properly brown the beef and let the cabbage caramelize makes all the difference in the final dish.
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch carefully here as garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter.
Step 3: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. If using higher-fat beef, drain most of the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
Step 4: Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly so every bit of meat gets coated with the warm spices. You should smell the spices blooming after about 30 seconds.
Step 5: Add the shredded cabbage and pour in the beef broth. Stir everything together, making sure the cabbage is well distributed. The cabbage will look like a lot at first but it wilts down significantly.
Step 6: Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes. The cabbage should become tender and develop golden-brown edges. Pro tip: resist the urge to stir too frequently or the cabbage won’t caramelize properly.
Step 7: Stir in the soy sauce and apple cider vinegar if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The vinegar adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the beef.
Step 8: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting combination of flavors.
Perfect Pairings for Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with sides that add texture contrast or help soak up the flavorful juices.
Fluffy White Rice: The neutral flavor and soft texture of rice perfectly absorbs the savory pan juices while adding substance to make this a complete meal.
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery potatoes complement the savory beef and provide the ultimate comfort food pairing that everyone at your table will love.
Crusty Sourdough Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread provides a satisfying textural contrast and is perfect for mopping up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the beef and adds fresh, bright notes to balance the warm spices, similar to how we pair salads with our Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized complement the earthy cabbage while adding natural sweetness and additional nutrients.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld together overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the original meal.
I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the mixture seems dry. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each heating to ensure even warming throughout.
This dish is incredibly versatile. Try it over rice bowls, stuffed into bell peppers, wrapped in tortillas for quick tacos like our Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos, or even served over baked potatoes for a hearty twist on a classic comfort food.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as leaner meats may cook faster than beef. For a similar Asian-inspired twist with ground turkey, check out our Gordon Ramsay Ground Turkey Pasta.
How do I prevent watery cabbage?
Make sure to cook uncovered for the last few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This helps achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture with slight caramelization.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish actually improves after sitting for a day. Prepare it fully, let it cool completely, then refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving for an even easier weeknight dinner.
Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. If using higher-fat beef, drain most of the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to evenly coat the meat with spices. You should smell the spices blooming after about 30 seconds.
- Add the shredded cabbage and pour in the beef broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the cabbage is well distributed with the beef mixture. The cabbage will look like a lot at first but wilts down significantly.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes. The cabbage should become tender and develop golden-brown edges. Resist the urge to stir too frequently or the cabbage won’t caramelize properly.
- Stir in the soy sauce and apple cider vinegar if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The vinegar adds subtle brightness that balances the richness of the beef.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
