Easy Cabbage Dinner
This Easy Cabbage Dinner recipe transforms humble cabbage into a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a comforting and nutritious weeknight dinner. Customize it with your favorite protein and vegetables for a budget-friendly and delicious dish the whole family will love.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage, cored and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained or 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced, or 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar optional
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften, about 8-10 minutes.
- If using ground beef, add it to the pot. If using kielbasa or chickpeas, add them now as well.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender and the flavors have melded together.
- If using apple cider vinegar, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Add carrots, celery, bell peppers, or potatoes. Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and using vegetable broth, adding mushrooms or lentils. Kidney beans, pinto beans, or white beans can replace chickpeas. Shredded chicken or cooked ham can replace ground beef or kielbasa. Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a richer flavor. Don't overcook the cabbage. Adjust liquid as needed. This dish is even better the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.