Delicious and filling Monterey Sausage Pie

Cabbage and Minced Meat is a comforting and versatile dish that combines the hearty flavors of ground meat with tender cabbage. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and can be customized with different seasonings to suit your taste. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Cabbage and Minced Meat Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 500g (1 lb) minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, grated or thinly sliced
• 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop the Onion and Garlic: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
3. Grate the Carrot: Grate or thinly slice the carrot for added texture and sweetness.

Step 2: Cook the Minced Meat

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
3. Brown the Minced Meat: Add the minced meat to the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chili powder (if using).
4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Add Carrot: Stir in the grated carrot and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Add Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pan. It will look like a lot, but the cabbage will cook down significantly. Stir to combine.
3. Optional – Add Tomatoes: If using, pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to mix everything together.

Step 4: Simmer the Dish

1. Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the cabbage and meat mixture cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become tender, and the flavors should meld together.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
2. Enjoy: Serve the cabbage and minced meat hot, either on its own, or with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.