Description
This sweet and sour cabbage skillet is a one-pan wonder, perfect for a hearty and flavorful family dinner. It combines savory-sweet aromas with a traditional yet fresh taste, ideal for busy weeknights and wholesome healthy eating.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb green cabbage, shredded
- 1 lb ground meat (beef or turkey)
- 1 large onion (8 oz), chopped
- 0.5 cup ruby vinegar (e.g. red wine, apple cider, or white vinegar)
- 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 tsp salt, to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dice the onion.
- Brown the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Saute Aromatics: Add chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook until softened and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the Cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt and soften, reducing in volume (about 8-10 minutes).
- Introduce Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, ruby vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally. (If too dry, add a splash of water or broth.)
- Taste and Adjust: Remove the lid and taste. Adjust seasonings, adding more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang, as desired. If too watery, simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce it.
Notes
Adaptable recipe; use pre-shredded cabbage or diced tomatoes for quick swaps. Adjust flavor by adding more sugar (if too sour), salt/vinegar (if bland), or simmering uncovered longer (if too watery). Dietary options include: low-carb (sugar substitute), vegan (lentils, chickpeas, mushrooms instead of meat), and high-protein (leaner meat or extra beans). Optional additions: 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 1 bay leaf, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 275 g)
- Calories: 400 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: sweet and sour cabbage, skillet recipe, one-pan, family dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, healthy eating, ground meat, ruby vinegar