Ole Country Dinner
A hearty, comforting American-style cabbage and beef stew with rice, seasoned with simple spices and perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the small head of cabbage into thin strips.
- Combine the sliced cabbage and uncooked rice in a large pot and cover with water.
- Cook until the cabbage and rice are tender.
- Brown the lean hamburger with chopped onion, draining off excess fat.
- Add the cooked hamburger mixture into the pot with the cabbage and rice.
- Stir in beef soup base, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cook for about an hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, optionally with homemade bread, and add garlic or other spices if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using cooked rice instead of uncooked for a softer texture. You can substitute the lean hamburger with ground turkey or even plant-based meat for a lighter option. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot as a hearty main dish, optionally pairing with homemade bread for a comforting meal. A side salad or steamed vegetables can add freshness and balance to the richness of the dish. This Ole Country Dinner also pairs beautifully with classic American recipes like Chili With Rice for a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ole Country Dinner contains roughly 190 calories, with 13g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and potassium (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 915mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can customize the dish by adding vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Just chop them finely and add them to the pot with the cabbage and rice for added nutrition and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute the lean hamburger with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also enhance the flavor with vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the cabbage and rice.
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).