Description
A hearty and comforting recipe combining lean ground beef with tender cabbage simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce, enhanced with paprika and caraway seeds. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a nutritious family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp. caraway seeds (optional)
- 1 medium head cabbage
- 1 cup drained sauerkraut (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Warm the cooking oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes, to build a flavorful base.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef along with paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired for a leaner dish.
- Prepare the cabbage: While the beef is cooking, halve the cabbage and cut out the core, discarding it. Chop the cabbage into approximately 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Add tomato components and cabbage: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and caraway seeds if using. Then, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Simmer until tender: Cover the Dutch oven, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the cabbage is tender, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together.
- Finish with sauerkraut: If using, stir in the drained sauerkraut and heat through for an additional 1 minute before serving to add complexity and tang.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, add red chili flakes along with paprika.
- Using lean ground beef reduces the fat content and prevents excess grease.
- Caraway seeds are optional but add a unique, slightly sweet and earthy flavor to the dish.
- Drain the fat after cooking beef to make the dish lighter and healthier.
- Sauerkraut adds a tangy note and extra probiotics but can be omitted if preferred.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ground beef, cabbage, stovetop, lean beef, tomato sauce, paprika, comfort food, one-pot meal
