Name: Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon 7 Spice; 1 teaspoon sumac; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ head green cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups); 1 lemon, juiced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Rice; Whole milk yogurt

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If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comforting, healthy, and utterly satisfying, Ground Beef and Cabbage is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This one-pan meal layers savory, spiced beef with sweet-tender cabbage, brightened with a spritz of lemon and a shower of fresh herbs. Each bite is aromatic, nourishing, and deeply flavorful without being heavy. Plus, it comes together in a flash with humble ingredients you probably already have. Whether you pile it onto rice, scoop it up with warm pita, or savor it straight from the pan, Ground Beef and Cabbage is big on flavor and perfect for sharing with those you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: every ingredient in Ground Beef and Cabbage really earns its keep. These staples blend together to make a colorful, aromatic meal that’s much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break down why each is essential for that perfect weeknight win.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything cook evenly, giving aromatic depth straight away.
Onion: Provides a sweet, mellow base that anchors all the flavors in the dish.
Garlic: Lends a punch of savoriness that infuses the meat and veggies beautifully.
Lean ground beef: Brings hearty protein and juicy flavor; I like lean, but any kind gives great results.
Cumin: Offers warm, earthy notes that pair perfectly with both beef and cabbage.
7 Spice: Adds complex, aromatic warmth—if you don’t have it, try a mix of allspice, cinnamon, and pepper.
Sumac: A tart, lemony spice that brightens everything; totally worth seeking out for Middle Eastern flair.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors and balancing the sweetness of the cabbage.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle, peppery bite.
Green cabbage: The star vegetable—choose a nice fresh head for maximum sweetness and crunch.
Lemon juice: Squeezed in at the end, it transforms everything, lifting up all those rich, savory notes.
Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and herby freshness that sets off the spices.
Rice (optional): Makes it a heartier meal and is fantastic at soaking up the juices.
Whole milk yogurt (optional): Creamy coolness on the side—especially lovely if you’ve gone bold with the spices.

How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating your olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet—choose one big enough to hold all that lovely cabbage later. Add the chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and sweetly golden, about 3–4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring just until fragrant. This simple step makes a huge difference in flavor, so let them sizzle together and you’ll smell the magic right away.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Spice it Up

Next, crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it apart with your spoon so you get lots of delicious browned edges. Cook until no longer pink and any liquid has mostly evaporated; this typically takes 5–6 minutes. Sprinkle in your cumin, 7 Spice, sumac, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices bloom for a minute or two—you want them to mingle with the beef, turning everything aromatic and mouthwatering.

Step 3: Simmer the Cabbage

Tip in your chopped cabbage and give everything a good stir so the cabbage picks up the flavors from the beef and spices. Cover the pan and let it gently simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring every so often. As it cooks, the cabbage softens and melds perfectly with the savory beef mixture, soaking up all those lovely spices while still retaining a bit of texture.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Herbs

When the cabbage is tender and everything smells irresistible, take the skillet off the heat. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and toss through the chopped parsley. This finishing touch wakes up the whole dish, making Ground Beef and Cabbage taste bright and fresh every time. Serve hot, straight out of the skillet, or with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage

Garnishes

The little touches make all the difference! A flurry of fresh parsley, an extra wedge of lemon for squeezing, or even a drizzle of fruity olive oil right before serving amplifies the color and zest of Ground Beef and Cabbage. For a spicy kick, try a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper or chili flakes.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile—serve over fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful juices, or tuck generous spoonfuls into warm pita bread for a fuss-free wrap. A dollop of thick, tangy whole milk yogurt on the side adds creaminess and balances the spices beautifully. For an extra boost of green, pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or sliced tomatoes drizzled with olive oil.

Creative Ways to Present

For an easy meal prep idea, portion Ground Beef and Cabbage into bowls with rice on the bottom and a scoop of yogurt on top. Or, try stuffing leftovers into halved bell peppers and baking until bubbly. You can also stuff this savory filling into lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option—a real showstopper at the table and fun for kids, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the dish has cooled, transfer Ground Beef and Cabbage to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner on busy evenings. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s just as tasty (if not more so) the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze extra portions, cool completely and pack into freezer-safe containers or zipper bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months—just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating so the cabbage retains some of its texture and all that scrumptious spice.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop the desired amount into a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if it looks dry. Stir until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave, covering loosely and heating in short bursts, stirring between each until hot. Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to revive the freshness.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef for another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even ground lamb will work beautifully with the cabbage and spices. Each one brings a slightly different flavor, but the recipe is forgiving and flexible, perfect for using what’s on hand.

Do I need to use 7 Spice and sumac?

While these spices lend authentic Middle Eastern flavor to Ground Beef and Cabbage, you can get creative if you don’t have them. 7 Spice can be replaced with a blend of allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and sumac’s citrusy tang can be mimicked with a bit of extra lemon zest.

Will red cabbage work instead of green?

Yes, red cabbage is a fabulous alternative and adds a beautiful, vibrant color to the dish. The flavor will be a touch earthier, but the finished Ground Beef and Cabbage will still be savory, tender, and delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

Ground Beef and Cabbage is very mild as written, relying on warming rather than hot spices. If you love heat, add red chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce either in the pan or at the table.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground alternative. You’ll still get tons of flavor and that lovely heartiness from the cabbage and spices.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting and homey about sharing a big pan of Ground Beef and Cabbage with family or friends—especially when it’s as easy, nourishing, and zippy as this one. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and see just how delicious and versatile it can be. Enjoy every bite!

Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A flavorful and comforting recipe for Ground Beef and Cabbage, combining spices and tender cabbage with juicy ground beef. Perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet: Over medium heat, sauté the onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef: Break apart the beef in the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Mix in cumin, 7 Spice, sumac, salt, and pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes.
Incorporate the cabbage: Add chopped cabbage, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
Finish and serve: Off heat, stir in lemon juice and parsley. Serve as-is or with rice, pita, and yogurt sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Middle Eastern