Ingredients

• • 600g Minced Meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
  • 2 Carrots (peeled and grated)

• • 1/2 Medium Cabbage (chopped)
  • 2 Onions (finely chopped)
  • 2 Tomatoes (diced)

• • 6 Tablespoons Sour Cream
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black Pepper (to taste)

• Vegetable Oil (for frying)
• Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. 1. Chop and grate: Begin by washing and preparing all your vegetables. Grate the carrots, chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the onions. Dice the tomatoes and set all the ingredients aside for easy access during cooking.

1. Season the minced meat: Season the minced meat with salt and black pepper. You can add other spices like paprika or dried herbs for extra flavor if you like.

Step 2: Cook the Minced Meat

1. 1. Brown the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced meat. Break it up with a spatula and brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink.
   2. Drain excess fat: If your minced meat releases a lot of fat, you can drain the excess oil from the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the onions and carrots: In the same skillet with the cooked minced meat, add the finely chopped onions and grated carrots. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions become translucent and the carrots soften slightly.
2. Add the cabbage: Now add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring it into the meat and vegetable mixture. The cabbage will shrink as it cooks, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first. Cover the skillet and let the cabbage cook down for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Sour Cream

1. 1. Add the tomatoes: Once the cabbage has softened, stir in the diced tomatoes. The tomatoes will add a nice acidity to the dish, balancing the richness of the meat and sour cream. Let the tomatoes cook down for 2-3 minutes.

1. Stir in the sour cream: After the tomatoes have softened, add 6 tablespoons of sour cream to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the sour cream evenly coats the vegetables and meat. Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

1. 1. Season to taste: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The sour cream adds creaminess and a touch of tanginess, so you may not need too much extra salt.
   2. Optional garnish: If you’re using parsley, finely chop a handful and sprinkle it over the dish just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve this savory minced meat and cabbage skillet hot, either on its own or with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. It’s a wholesome, filling meal that can easily feed a family.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 25g

• • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg

Please note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is versatile. You can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or even a mix of meats. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well, and for a richer flavor, pork is a great choice.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream. The dish will still be creamy and delicious.

3. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add more vegetables based on your preference. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would complement the flavors well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the added ingredients.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe stores well and is great for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer (see storage tips below).

Tips for Making the Perfect Minced Meat and Cabbage Skillet

1. 1. Use fresh cabbage: Fresh cabbage is essential for this dish. When cooked properly, it adds a slight sweetness and crunch to the skillet. If your cabbage is older, it may turn mushy during cooking.
   2. Don’t skip the browning: Browning the minced meat adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Make sure the meat is well-browned before you move on to the next steps.

1. Use full-fat sour cream: Full-fat sour cream gives the dish a rich, creamy texture. If you’re watching your calories, you can use low-fat sour cream, but the dish won’t be as rich.
2. Adjust seasoning as you go: Taste the dish throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices to suit your personal taste. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can give the dish an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Tips

1. 1. Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

1. Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
2. Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Conclusion

This savory minced meat and cabbage skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With just a few basic ingredients—minced meat, cabbage, carrots, onions, and tomatoes—you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious. The sour cream adds a touch of creaminess that brings everything together, while the optional parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous finish.

This versatile dish is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings, and it stores beautifully for leftovers. Whether you’re feeding your family or cooking for yourself, this minced meat and cabbage skillet will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy!