If you love the hearty, comforting flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but dread the lengthy prep, get ready to fall in love. This recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes combines the tangy, tomato-rich goodness of the traditional dish with the easy, messy fun of a classic sloppy joe. It’s a weeknight-friendly twist that packs all the flavor, minus the hassle of rolling and baking. Bonus? It’s a one-pan meal that’s super customizable for your taste preferences.
Whether you're a cabbage fan or simply enjoy bold, savory dishes, this fusion recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Let's jump in!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up your Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes:
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Soft hamburger buns, Kaiser rolls, or toasted bread
- Optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh parsley
Optional Substitutions:
- Use ground pork or chicken if you prefer.
- Swap cabbage for chopped kale or spinach for a different texture.
- If you're going gluten-free, serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or use gluten-free buns.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Veggies
Start by prepping your ingredients. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice your onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process seamless.
2. Brown the Meat
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Using the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Next, stir in the chopped cabbage, and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first—it will wilt down as it cooks.
4. Add the Sauce Base
Stir the ground beef back into the skillet with the vegetables. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well to coat the ingredients evenly.
5. Simmer and Reduce
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken up. Stir occasionally, and taste-test to adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Assemble and Serve
Spoon the warm and saucy filling over your choice of buns or rolls. Keep it classic with hamburger buns, or try something fun like pretzel rolls for a twist. Add any toppings you like, such as shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of sour cream. Serve it with napkins handy; this is a deliciously messy one!
Tips for Serving
- Pair your Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joes with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies to keep it balanced.
- For a carb-light option, serve the sloppy joe mixture over a bed of cauliflower rice or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Preparing for a crowd? Turn the filling into sliders by using mini rolls for a fun, shareable option.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts of this recipe is how flexible it is. Add some extra heat with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. If you’re vegetarian, swap the meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth in place of Worcestershire sauce.
Craving some cheesy goodness? Stir in shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan toward the end of the cooking process for a creamy finish.
Time to Dig in!
This Stuffed Cabbage Sloppy Joe mashup is comfort food with a clever twist, perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something fuss-free and flavorful. Gather your loved ones, serve it hot, and see just how quickly it disappears from plates!
Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts, creations, or unique twists in the comments below or snap a photo and tag us on social media. Happy cooking!
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