Sweet-Sour Beef 'N' Cabbage
Sweet-sour beef and cabbage combines tender ground beef with tangy tomato and vinegar sauce, accented by savory oats and herbs. Perfect for a hearty, flavorful family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onions, sliced celery, and green pepper until the meat is browned; drain off excess fat.
- Sprinkle the meat mixture with quick rolled oats, chopped parsley, 3/4 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Core the cabbage and cut it into 6 wedges.
- Place the cabbage wedges on top of the meat mixture in the skillet.
- In a bowl, combine tomato sauce, cider vinegar, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper; mix well.
- Pour the sauce over the cabbage and meat in the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck. If you're out of quick rolled oats, breadcrumbs or cooked rice can work in a pinch. Adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture enhances the umami flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables pairs nicely, adding freshness to the plate. For added flavor, try drizzling with a bit of hot sauce or serving with a side of Dipped Oreos for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beef and cabbage mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-Sour Beef 'N' Cabbage contains roughly 192 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1284mg per serving (56% 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 use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, you can substitute napa or savoy cabbage for a different texture and flavor. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, as these cabbages tend to be more tender than green cabbage.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble before cooking. This can enhance the flavors. Simply reheat before adding the cabbage and simmering.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of the meat drippings and ensure your tomato sauce is free from animal products.
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).