Instructions:
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 2
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Add the ground meat and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 4
Season the meat with paprika, thyme or oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to evenly coat the meat.
Step 5
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the broth, then stir while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 6
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It may seem like a lot at first, but it will quickly wilt as it cooks.
Step 7
Stir everything together until the cabbage begins to soften and is coated with the flavorful sauce.
Step 8
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 9
Once the cabbage is tender, remove the lid and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes if you’d like the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 10
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Step 11
Sprinkle the skillet with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Step 12
Serve hot on its own or alongside your favorite side dishes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
Use Different Meats
Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb all work beautifully and each gives the dish its own unique flavor.
Make It Low Carb
Enjoy the skillet on its own for a filling low-carb meal that’s naturally high in protein and vegetables.
Add More Vegetables
Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or spinach blend perfectly with the cabbage and add extra nutrition.
Turn It into Cabbage Rolls
Stir in cooked rice and a spoonful of tomato paste for all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the extra work.
Give It a Spicy Kick
Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Try Global Flavors
Swap the seasonings for taco seasoning, Italian herbs, or soy sauce with ginger to create Mexican, Mediterranean, or Asian-inspired versions.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent meal-prep option.
Freeze for Later
Freeze completely cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
