Braised cabbage with ground meat is a classic dish that warms the soul, especially during the colder months. This hearty recipe combines tender cabbage with savory ground meat for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a comforting choice, while the option to customize it with different spices or additional vegetables allows you to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 1 small head of white cabbage or pointed cabbage (about 1 kg)
- 500 g mixed ground meat (beef and pork)
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 200 ml vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
- Prepare the Cabbage: Quarter the cabbage, remove the core, and cut the quarters into large pieces.
- Chop the Aromatics: Finely chop the onions and garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Meat
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground meat and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
- Combine: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and mix well with the meat.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté briefly to combine.
Step 4: Braise
- Add Liquid and Spices: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the paprika powder and caraway seeds (if using).
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring well.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and let the cabbage simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth if necessary to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Divide the braised cabbage with ground meat onto plates.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Perfect Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with boiled potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple slice of fresh bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- Customize Your Dish: For a Mediterranean twist, consider adding diced tomatoes or strips of bell pepper. For an even heartier version, sauté and mix in diced bacon or sausage.
- Enhance the Flavor: Experiment with additional spices such as thyme or bay leaves for an aromatic boost.
- Leftovers: Braised cabbage often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mixed ground meat with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
How long does this dish keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, braised cabbage with ground meat will keep for about 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to three months.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to add more nutrition and flavor to the dish.
What should I serve with this dish?
Aside from the suggested sides, consider pairing this dish with a fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
Braised cabbage with ground meat is a comforting, flavorful dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients. It’s easy to make, hearty, and perfect for meal prep or family gatherings. With its satisfying flavors and versatility, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy this classic dish that warms both the body and soul!Braised Cabbage with Ground Meat
Braised cabbage with ground meat is a classic dish that warms the soul, especially during the colder months. This hearty recipe combines tender cabbage with savory ground meat for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a comforting choice, while the option to customize it with different spices or additional vegetables allows you to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 1 small head of white cabbage or pointed cabbage (about 1 kg)
- 500 g mixed ground meat (beef and pork)
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 200 ml vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
- Prepare the Cabbage: Quarter the cabbage, remove the core, and cut the quarters into large pieces.
- Chop the Aromatics: Finely chop the onions and garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Meat
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground meat and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
- Combine: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and mix well with the meat.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté briefly to combine.
Step 4: Braise
- Add Liquid and Spices: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the paprika powder and caraway seeds (if using).
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring well.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and let the cabbage simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth if necessary to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Divide the braised cabbage with ground meat onto plates.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Perfect Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with boiled potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple slice of fresh bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- Customize Your Dish: For a Mediterranean twist, consider adding diced tomatoes or strips of bell pepper. For an even heartier version, sauté and mix in diced bacon or sausage.
- Enhance the Flavor: Experiment with additional spices such as thyme or bay leaves for an aromatic boost.
- Leftovers: Braised cabbage often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mixed ground meat with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
How long does this dish keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, braised cabbage with ground meat will keep for about 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to three months.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to add more nutrition and flavor to the dish.
What should I serve with this dish?
Aside from the suggested sides, consider pairing this dish with a fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
Braised cabbage with ground meat is a comforting, flavorful dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients. It’s easy to make, hearty, and perfect for meal prep or family gatherings. With its satisfying flavors and versatility, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy this classic dish that warms both the body and soul!