Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

🥬 Mediterranean Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage Skillet

Ingredients:

Main:

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or lamb/turkey if you prefer)

• ½ medium head of cabbage, chopped

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium tomato, chopped (or ½ cup canned diced tomatoes)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• ½ cup water or beef broth

Optional Mediterranean touches:

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or fresh dill

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for serving

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Instructions:

1. Cook the beef:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat.

   • Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.

   • Cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.

   • Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Add aromatics:

   • Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Add spices and tomato:

   • Stir in tomato paste, chopped tomato, paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

   • Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.

4. Add the cabbage:

   • Stir in the chopped cabbage and ½ cup water or broth.

   • Mix well, then cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.

5. Finish with freshness:

   • Add lemon juice and fresh herbs just before serving.

   • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve:

   • Top with crumbled feta cheese or a spoon of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.

   • Serve with warm pita bread, brown rice, or couscous for a complete Mediterranean meal.

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🌿 Tips & Variations:

• Add chickpeas for extra plant protein and fiber.

• Make it spicy: Add a dash of harissa or cayenne.

• For a one-pot meal: Add cooked rice or quinoa directly into the skillet near the end.