Cabbage Goulash

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Eastern European

Cabbage Goulash is a hearty, flavorful stew combining savory pork sausage and ground beef with tender cabbage and a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it offers a balanced blend of spices and a satisfying, filling meal that pairs well with crusty bread or rice.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. bulk pork sausage
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 (28 oz.) can chopped tomatoes with liquid
  • 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 10 cups shredded cabbage

Instructions

  1. In a large kettle, brown sausage, ground beef, and chopped onion.
  2. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes (with liquid), tomato paste, vinegar, chili powder, and garlic powder to the meat mixture; mix well.
  4. Stir in shredded cabbage.
  5. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onions until caramelized before adding the meats. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage and beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Adding a touch of smoked paprika can enhance the dish's richness. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to taste, or use your favorite spice blend for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty cabbage goulash with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a comforting twist, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This dish is reminiscent of other comforting meals like Layered Ground Beef Casserole.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. You can also freeze the goulash for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cabbage Goulash contains roughly 815 calories, with 50g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (100% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and potassium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 641mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

815 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 50.1g 100% DV
Total Fat 52.7g 68% DV
Carbs 35.5g 13% DV
Fiber 7.5g 27% DV
Sugar 22.2g 44% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 641.5mg 28% DV
Potassium 2143.9mg 46% DV
Cholesterol 179.1mg 60% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 327.1mcg 36% DV
Vitamin C 40.1mg 45% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 176.7mg 14% DV
Iron 10.3mg 57% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, or use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Adjust cooking times as needed, as leaner meats can cook faster. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a meat substitute.

What can I do if I don't have shredded cabbage?

If you don't have shredded cabbage on hand, you can use coleslaw mix as a convenient alternative. Alternatively, chopped kale or Swiss chard can work well, though they may require slightly different cooking times. Just ensure the greens are tender before serving.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce before serving. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a personalized kick!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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