Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage
Don’t Lose This Recipe – A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
If there is one recipe that deserves a permanent place in your kitchen, it is this humble yet deeply satisfying Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage dish. This is the kind of meal that feels like home, the kind you make when you want something warm, filling, and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the grocery budget.
This recipe has been passed around kitchens for generations, often scribbled on index cards or remembered by heart. It is simple food done right. No fancy ingredients. No complicated techniques. Just honest cooking that feeds your family well.
What makes this dish special is how a few basic ingredients come together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. The ground beef provides richness and protein, the cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet as it cooks, and the tomatoes and seasonings tie everything together into a savory, comforting meal.
This is not just a recipe. It is a dependable solution for busy weeknights, a perfect meal-prep option, and a dish that tastes even better the next day. Whether you are cooking for a family, stretching your grocery dollars, or simply craving something hearty and familiar, this recipe delivers every single time.
And once you try it, you will understand why people say: Don’t lose this recipe.
Why Ground Beef and Cabbage Is a Timeless Favorite
Before we dive into the cooking process, it is worth understanding why this dish has stood the test of time.
Ground beef and cabbage recipes appear in many cultures around the world. From Eastern European cabbage stews to American skillet meals, the combination is beloved for several reasons:
- Affordable ingredients that are available year-round
- Nutritious and filling, thanks to fiber-rich cabbage and protein-packed beef
- Easy to customize based on what you have on hand
- Comforting flavors that appeal to both adults and children
Cabbage often gets overlooked, but when cooked properly, it transforms into something tender, mildly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Paired with savory ground beef, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, it becomes a dish that feels far more indulgent than it actually is.
This recipe is proof that simple food can be deeply delicious.
Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses basic pantry and refrigerator staples. There is nothing fancy here, and that is exactly the point.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder
Optional but recommended additions for flavor (these are not required, but enhance the dish):
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A splash of water or broth if needed
- A drizzle of oil for browning the beef
Ingredient Breakdown and Helpful Notes
Ground Beef
Choose ground beef with a bit of fat for the best flavor. An 80/20 blend works beautifully here. The fat renders as the beef cooks, adding richness to the cabbage and onions. If you prefer leaner beef, you may want to add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking and dryness.
Green Cabbage
Green cabbage is ideal for this recipe because it softens beautifully while still holding its structure. Chop it into bite-sized pieces, keeping the sizes relatively uniform so it cooks evenly.
Diced Tomatoes
Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and moisture, helping to balance the richness of the beef. Use plain diced tomatoes for a classic flavor, or fire-roasted tomatoes if you want a subtle smoky note.
Onions and Garlic
These aromatics form the flavor base of the dish. As they cook, they release natural sweetness that enhances the overall depth of the recipe.
Bouillon Powder
Bouillon powder is a secret weapon in simple cooking. It adds concentrated savory flavor without the need for long simmering. Beef bouillon works best here, but chicken bouillon can also be used in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is cooked in one large skillet or pot, making cleanup easy and stress-free.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before turning on the stove, take a few minutes to prepare all your ingredients. Chop the cabbage, onions, and garlic, and open the can of diced tomatoes. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Place a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Allow the beef to develop some color, as this adds flavor to the final dish.
If there is excess grease, you may drain a portion of it, but leaving a little behind helps carry flavor through the cabbage.
Step 3: Add Onions and Garlic
Once the beef is mostly browned, add the chopped onions. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. At first, it may seem like too much, but cabbage cooks down significantly. Stir everything together so the cabbage is coated in the beef and onion mixture.
Cover the skillet and allow the cabbage to steam for about 5 minutes. This helps it soften more quickly.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Bouillon
Stir in the diced tomatoes, including their juices, and sprinkle in the bouillon powder. Mix well so the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the mixture simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Texture
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. If the mixture seems too dry, add a small splash of water or broth.
Cook uncovered for a few more minutes if you prefer a slightly thicker consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cabbage is tender and the flavors are fully developed, remove from heat and serve hot.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- On its own as a complete meal
- Over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles
- With crusty bread or dinner rolls
- As a filling for wraps or stuffed peppers
It is hearty enough to stand alone but also pairs well with simple sides.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores.
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve overnight, making this an excellent meal-prep option.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to restore moisture.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is a great base that can be adapted to suit your taste:
- Add paprika or chili flakes for warmth
- Stir in cooked rice for a one-pot casserole-style meal
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Add bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables
The simplicity of this dish makes it endlessly flexible.
Why You’ll Want to Keep This Recipe Forever
This is the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular rotation. It is reliable, forgiving, and deeply satisfying. It feeds a crowd, stretches ingredients, and delivers comfort in every bite.
It is perfect for beginners because it is hard to mess up, and experienced cooks love it because it leaves room for creativity.
Most importantly, it is real food that brings people together around the table.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage is proof that you do not need complicated ingredients or expensive groceries to make something truly delicious. This is old-fashioned, common-sense cooking at its best.
If you are looking for a recipe that is easy, affordable, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, this is the one.
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