Old-Fashioned Cabbage & Ground Beef Skillet

🥬 Old-Fashioned Cabbage & Ground Beef Skillet

*A humble, hearty Depression-era dish that’s budget-friendly, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes!*

📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional but classic)

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp butter or oil

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup beef broth (for more sauce)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for depth)

• Sour cream (for serving)

👵🏻 Traditional Method

1️⃣ Brown the Beef

• In a large skillet, heat butter/oil over medium.

• Add ground beef and cook until browned (5 mins). Drain excess fat if needed.

2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics

• Push beef aside; add onion and garlic. Cook 3 mins until soft.

• Stir in paprika, caraway seeds, thyme, salt & pepper.

3️⃣ Cook the Cabbage

• Add chopped cabbage and tomatoes (with juices).

• Cover and simmer 15-20 mins, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.

• For saucier results, add broth or Worcestershire sauce.

4️⃣ Serve Hot

• Adjust seasoning. Top with sour cream if desired.

💡 Why This Recipe Stands the Test of Time

✅ Pantry staples only – No fancy ingredients!
✅ One-pan meal – Easy cleanup.
✅ Adaptable – Add potatoes, bell peppers, or smoked sausage.

Serving Ideas:

• Over mashed potatoes (for a rib-sticking meal)

• With rye bread (to soak up juices)

• As a filling for stuffed peppers or pierogi

🕰️ Historical Note

This dish was born out of Great Depression ingenuity, when families stretched cheap ingredients like cabbage and ground meat into filling meals. Variations exist across Europe (Hungarian “káposztás tészta”, Polish “kapusta z mięsem”).

“My grandma called it ‘poor man’s dinner’—but we always felt rich eating it.”

Try it with a dash of vinegar for tang! 🍽️