This Hearty Cabbage and Minced Meat Stew is a wholesome, comforting dish that’s perfect for a family meal. The combination of minced meat, vegetables, and tomato sauce simmered together creates a rich and flavorful stew that is both filling and nutritious. The addition of cabbage adds a lovely texture and makes the dish a great source of fiber. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 carrots
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes or 1 regular tomato
- 2 cloves garlic
- 450g (1 lb) minced meat (beef, pork, or mixed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 450g (1 lb) cabbage
- 250 ml (1 cup) tomato sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the onion: Peel and finely chop the medium onion.
- Slice the carrots: Peel and thinly slice the carrots into rounds or small sticks.
- Dice the tomatoes: If using cherry tomatoes, slice them in half. If using a regular tomato, dice it into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Shred the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, slice it in half, and thinly shred it.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Carrots
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the onion and carrots: Add the chopped onion and sliced carrots to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 3: Cook the Minced Meat
- Add the garlic: Once the onions and carrots are soft, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the minced meat: Add the 450g of minced meat to the pan. Break the meat up with a spatula or wooden spoon and cook until browned all over, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season the meat: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to add flavor to the meat mixture.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Cabbage
- Stir in the tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes or diced regular tomato to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add the cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage, mixing well with the meat and vegetables.
Step 5: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer
- Pour in the tomato sauce: Add 250ml (1 cup) of tomato sauce to the pan. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Simmer: Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The cabbage should become tender, and the flavors will meld together during this time.
Step 6: Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning: After simmering, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
Cooking Tips:
- Use a mix of meats: For richer flavor, you can use a combination of ground beef and pork. This will add more depth to the stew.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a bit of heat, add 1/4 tsp of chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stew.
- Make it vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the minced meat with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Serve with sides: This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a slice of rustic bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This stew freezes well. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
FAQs:
- Can I use different types of meat? Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even lamb instead of beef. Each will bring a slightly different flavor to the stew.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! This recipe is flexible, and you can add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas to increase the nutritional content.
- Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors will develop even more as it sits.
- How do I make the dish spicier? To make this dish spicier, you can add extra paprika, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
Conclusion:
This Hearty Cabbage and Minced Meat Stew is an easy, delicious meal that is perfect for cold weather or a cozy family dinner. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The combination of tender cabbage, flavorful minced meat, and a savory tomato-based sauce makes this dish a standout. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Enjoy this warming, satisfying stew with your favorite side dish.