Ingredients
Scale
Gathering your ingredients is like setting the stage for a cherished performance. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably grass-fed for richer flavor)
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (a nod to my namesake and family tradition)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter dish, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit more heat. These small tweaks make the recipe your own while preserving its comforting essence.
Instructions
Cooking is a dance of flavors and textures. Follow these steps to create a meal that tells its own delicious story:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until they are translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (an essential tool in my kitchen) until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, allowing it to wilt slightly, which should take around 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, cinnamon, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 30 minutes. The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors should meld beautifully.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
Cooking is an art, not a science. Don’t be afraid to adjust spices and seasonings to match your taste and the stories you wish to tell through your meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
