Welcome to the hearty and flavorful world of Cabbage Goulash! This traditional dish, with its roots in Central Europe, is a comforting, one-pot wonder that’s perfect for any time of the year. It’s brimming with the robust flavors of ground beef, complemented by the sweet tanginess of onions and tomatoes. The unique combination of dried herbs and spices, including oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, sage, and Adobo seasoning, adds layers of depth and complexity to the dish.
The star ingredient, cabbage, lends a delightful crunch and slight sweetness that balances the richness of the other components. Finally, a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese offers a creamy, tangy finish that ties everything together. This Cabbage Goulash recipe is not just a meal – it’s a flavorful journey through a rich culinary heritage!
What is cabbage goulash?
Cabbage Goulash has a long history, dating back to the 19th century in Hungary. It was originally a peasant dish, made from affordable and readily available ingredients such as cabbage and various meats. Over time, the recipe evolved with different variations popping up in different regions of Europe. Today, Cabbage Goulash is a popular comfort food worldwide.
Cabbage Goulash is a rustic, hearty dish that originated in Central Europe. It features ground beef and cabbage as its main ingredients, along with the aromatic flavors of tomatoes, onions, herbs, and spices. The dish is typically prepared in one pot or skillet, making it an easy and convenient meal option for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Goulash?
- Easy to Make: Cabbage Goulash is a straightforward recipe, making it perfect for beginner cooks or those short on time.
- Budget-Friendly: As mentioned earlier, the ingredients are affordable, making this dish a budget-friendly option without compromising on flavor.
- Versatile: This dish can be customized to suit personal preferences by adding different vegetables, and protein sources or even substituting the meat with plant-based alternatives.
- Comforting and Hearty: Cabbage Goulash is a warm and comforting meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
- Packed with Nutrients: Cabbage is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as folate and manganese. Combined with protein from ground beef, this dish provides a well-rounded source of essential nutrients.
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How Does It Taste Like?
Cabbage Goulash is a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of the sweet and tangy notes from the tomatoes and onions, along with the earthy aromas of herbs and spices, creates a complex yet balanced flavor profile. The cabbage adds its unique crunch and slight sweetness, while the cheddar cheese offers a creamy finish.
The meat provides a hearty and satisfying element to the dish, making it a complete meal in itself. Overall, Cabbage Goulash is a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: This is the main source of protein in the dish, providing a hearty base. The beef also contributes to the overall flavor of the goulash, making it rich and savory.
- Minced garlic: Garlic’s pungent aroma and flavor deepen the complexity of the dish. It is an essential ingredient in many cuisines, contributing a unique taste that enhances the other ingredients.
- Yellow onions: These are used for their sweet and tangy flavor, which adds depth to the goulash. They also provide a bit of texture and color to the dish.
- Water and beef broth: These are the primary liquids in the recipe, providing the necessary moisture for the ingredients to simmer together. The beef broth adds an extra layer of meaty flavor that complements the ground beef.
- Olive oil: This is used for sautéing the onions and garlic, helping to release their flavors. Its mild flavor doesn’t overshadow the other ingredients, making it a good choice for this dish.
- Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: These add acidity, sweetness, and a rich red color to the goulash. They also contribute to the overall texture of the dish, making it more hearty and satisfying.
- Dried herbs (oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, sage): These herbs are used to add a variety of flavors to the goulash. Each herb contributes its unique flavor, ranging from the robust and earthy taste of sage and rosemary to the sweet and slightly spicy flavor of basil and oregano.
- Adobo Seasoning: This is a blend of spices, including garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. It provides an added layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients and enhances the overall taste of the goulash.
- Bay leaves: These leaves are used to infuse the dish with a subtly sweet and slightly floral flavor. They are typically removed before serving but make a significant impact on the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that help to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Salt also helps to extract the flavors from the ingredients, while black pepper adds a touch of heat.
- Shredded cabbage: It’s not just a filler; cabbage adds a unique crunch and slight sweetness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the beef and the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: This is usually sprinkled on top of the finished dish for an added touch of creaminess. The cheese also contributes a rich, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Heating the Pot and Adding Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This initial step prepares the cooking vessel and infuses the dish with the rich flavors of olive oil.
Step 2: Sautéing Garlic, Onions, and Ground Beef
Add minced garlic and diced onions to the pot, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until they become translucent and release a fragrant aroma. This process softens the aromatics and adds depth to the dish’s flavor.
Step 3: Browning the Ground Beef
Introduce the ground beef to the pot and cook until it is fully browned and cooked through. Be sure to drain any excess fat from the pan. Browning the beef enhances its flavor and texture while draining excess fat reduces its greasiness.
Step 4: Combining Ingredients and Simmering
Add water, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried herbs, Adobo seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir these ingredients together to create a flavorful base. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Step 5: Adding and Cooking the Shredded Cabbage
Integrate shredded cabbage into the goulash, stirring it into the mixture. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage becomes tender. This step adds a fresh and crisp texture to the goulash.
Step 6: Removing Bay Leaves and Serving
Once the goulash is done cooking, remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them. This ensures that the bay leaf flavor doesn’t overpower the dish.
Step 7: Serving and Garnishing
Serve the hot goulash in bowls, and for a finishing touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. This adds a creamy and savory note to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Cabbage Goulash!
Savor the flavors of your delicious and hearty Cabbage Goulash, which combines the richness of beef with the freshness of cabbage and a delightful blend of seasonings.
Tips
- To make this dish even more nutritious, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or diced potatoes to the goulash.
- You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or pork, for a variation in flavors and textures.
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas.
- This dish can be easily made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for a hands-off cooking experience. Simply follow the same steps, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Serve this dish with some crusty bread or over your choice of pasta for a heartier meal. You can also top it with some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added burst of freshness.
Nutrition Information
How to store cabbage goulash?
To store leftover cabbage goulash, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the dish for longer storage. To reheat, simply place it in a pot or microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent the goulash from drying out.
What other substitute can I use in cabbage goulash?
- Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
- Instead of cabbage, you can use other types of leafy greens such as kale, spinach, or collard greens.
- For a different flavor profile, you can replace the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with a jar of salsa or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices, such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder, to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment
- strainer
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 4 pounds of ground beef
- 4 15- ounce cans of diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp Adobo Seasoning
- 1 tbsp salt
- 6 tsp minced garlic
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 4 15- ounce cans of tomato sauce
- 6 bay leaves
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried sage
- 1 cup beef broth
- 5 cups water
- 2 large yellow onions – diced
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot.
- Sauté garlic and onions until they become translucent.
- Brown ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Add water, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried herbs, Adobo seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until tender.
- Remove and discard bay leaves.
- Serve hot in bowls, topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
Notes
- To make this dish even more nutritious, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or diced potatoes to the goulash.
- You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or pork, for a variation in flavors and textures.
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas.
- This dish can be easily made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for a hands-off cooking experience. Simply follow the same steps, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Serve this dish with some crusty bread or over your choice of pasta for a heartier meal. You can also top it with some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added burst of freshness.
Nutrition
FAQs
- I’m not a fan of cheddar cheese. What other types of cheese would work well in this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese! You might try mozzarella for a mild, creamy flavor, or perhaps a smoked gouda if you’re looking for a stronger, more distinctive taste. - Is there any specific type of cabbage that works best in this Cabbage Goulash?
Green cabbage is typically used due to its availability and sturdy texture that holds up well during cooking. However, you could certainly try it with red cabbage for a pop of color, or savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture. - I don’t have Adobo seasoning on hand. What can I use instead?
Adobo seasoning is a blend of spices, so if you don’t have it, you can make your mix using garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. The exact proportions can vary depending on your taste preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cabbage goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines a variety of ingredients to create a satisfying meal. It’s not only easy to make, but it’s also versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner option or want to try out a new recipe, this cabbage goulash is sure to please your taste buds and become a family favorite in no time. So give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional dish!
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more