Ground Beef and Chopped Cabbage

Mediterranean Ground Beef & Chopped Cabbage Skillet 🥬🍖
One-pan, hearty, healthy, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (lean)

• 3 cups green cabbage, finely chopped

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• ¼ cup water or beef broth

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

• Optional: lemon juice for serving

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds.

2. Brown the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

3. Season: Stir in paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

4. Add cabbage: Mix in chopped cabbage. Cook 3–4 minutes until it begins to wilt.

5. Simmer: Add tomato paste and water/broth. Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.

6. Finish: Uncover, cook 1–2 minutes to reduce liquid if needed. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with brown rice, bulgur, or whole-wheat pita

• Top with Greek yogurt or tzatziki

• Add a side Mediterranean salad

Variations

• Low-carb: Skip grains and serve as is

• Extra veggies: Add grated carrot or diced bell pepper

• Spicy: Add harissa or cayenne

• Baked version: Transfer to a dish, top with feta, bake at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes