Some dishes go beyond being just food; they are a comforting embrace, a connection to tradition, and a celebration of home-cooked goodness. This Cabbage and Ground Beef with Parmesan Potatoes recipe is a testament to that idea. Combining hearty ingredients like ground beef, tender cabbage, and crispy potatoes with a rich Parmesan crust, this meal is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor.

Rooted in timeless culinary practices, this dish brings together classic elements of European and Mediterranean cooking. The cabbage, often considered humble, is elevated to a centerpiece with the addition of aromatic herbs and spices. Ground beef adds richness and depth, while the Parmesan potatoes provide a golden, crispy contrast that rounds out the meal beautifully.

Whether you’re preparing a comforting weeknight dinner or hosting family and friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this crowd-pleasing dish that balances tradition with innovation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cabbage and Ground Beef:

• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Italian herbs, to taste
• Nutmeg, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 young onion, chopped
• Fresh dill, chopped
• 5–6 tablespoons white yogurt
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 1 cabbage, cut into wedges or thick slices
• 500 g ground beef

For the Parmesan Potatoes:

• 3 potatoes, cut into wedges or thick slices
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 60 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4–6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg

Steps to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef with Parmesan Potatoes

1. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Season with salt, Italian herbs, nutmeg, black pepper, and paprika.
• Stir in the minced garlic and chopped young onion, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and mix in the tomato paste and yogurt. Cook until the mixture is creamy and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Cabbage

• Cut the cabbage into wedges or thick slices, depending on your preference.
• In a large pot of boiling, salted water, blanch the cabbage wedges for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

3. Assemble and Cook the Cabbage Dish

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Arrange the cabbage wedges in a large baking dish. Spoon the ground beef mixture over and between the cabbage pieces. Sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the top for added flavor.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.

4. Prepare the Parmesan Potatoes

• While the cabbage is baking, preheat another oven or increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F).
• Toss the potato wedges with vegetable oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a large mixing bowl.
• Spread the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Return to the oven until the cheese melts and forms a crispy crust.

5. Serve

• Serve the cabbage and ground beef alongside the Parmesan potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

The combination of cabbage, ground beef, and potatoes is a classic that has stood the test of time across many cultures. It’s a meal that reflects simplicity and resourcefulness while delivering bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Cabbage, a staple in European and Asian cuisines, is incredibly versatile and nutritious. It’s rich in vitamins C and K, low in calories, and easy to prepare. Ground beef adds protein and richness, while the yogurt and tomato paste create a creamy, tangy sauce that ties everything together.

The Parmesan potatoes bring a crispy, cheesy element that complements the softness of the cabbage dish. Their golden edges and savory flavor make them an irresistible side that can even stand on their own.

Tips for Success

1. Choose Fresh Cabbage: Look for firm, tightly packed heads of cabbage with crisp, unblemished leaves.
2. Blanch for Even Cooking: Blanching the cabbage ensures it becomes tender in the oven without overcooking the ground beef mixture.
3. Season Generously: Both the cabbage and potatoes benefit from a good amount of seasoning. Adjust spices to suit your taste.
4. Crispy Potatoes: For the crispiest Parmesan potatoes, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to allow even cooking.
5. Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more robust flavor than pre-grated varieties.