Old Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction
Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most comforting meals. This Old Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is a hearty, no-frills dish that has been passed down through generations in many households. It takes humble cabbage and combines it with savory ground beef to make a dish that’s not only filling but also budget-friendly and easy to prepare. Perfect for family dinners, it brings a warm, homey flavor reminiscent of classic, rustic cooking.

Ingredients
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped

1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth or water

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richer flavor)

Preparation
Prepare the vegetables: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add cabbage and seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried herbs. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften.

Add liquids: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (if using). Stir in tomato paste if you want a deeper flavor.