Savory Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Introduction:

This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender cabbage, ground beef, and aromatic spices in a comforting, easy-to-make recipe. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or a slice of crusty bread. With its wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium-sized head of cabbage (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium tomato (diced) or 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth (optional, for a saucier dish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Chop the cabbage, dice the onion and tomato, and mince the garlic.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
4. Add the Vegetables:
   Stir in the cabbage and cook for about 5–7 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well.
5. Combine and Season:
   Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add paprika, chili flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt. Pour in the broth if you’d like a saucier consistency.
6. Simmer:
   Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavors are well combined.
7. Serve:
   Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, alongside your favorite side dish.

Variations:

• Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.

This simple yet delicious dish is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy meal at home!