By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on February 25, 2023 | Last Updated on November 13, 2023
Cabbage goulash is a hearty, comforting dish made with ground beef, pork sausage, cabbage and tomatoes. It’s an easy-to-make one-pot meal that is flavorful and filling.
This classic Eastern European recipe has been around for centuries and can be adapted in different ways depending on your tastes or dietary needs. Cabbage goulash tastes great with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and can be served as a main course or side dish.
In this article, we’ll share what cabbage goulash is, how it tastes, and how to make it and serve it with other dishes. We’ll also answer common questions about this dish and its nutritional value. So, keep reading!
What is cabbage goulash?
Cabbage goulash is a classic Eastern European dish that combines ground beef, pork sausage, cabbage and tomatoes for a hearty one-pot meal. It’s a traditional peasant dish that dates back centuries and is now popular all over the world. Cabbage goulash is easy to make, hearty and flavorful.
What does it taste like?
Cabbage goulash has a savory flavor due to the combination of ground meats, tomato sauce and spices. The cabbage adds crunchiness and sweetness to the dish, while the tomatoes give it a slightly tangy flavor. The chili powder adds some heat and balances out the sweetness of the cabbage.
How did I first get introduced to the cabbage goulash?
I was first introduced to cabbage goulash while visiting my aunt in Poland. She served it as a side dish with some grilled kielbasa, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. It was so delicious that I immediately fell in love with this dish!
How to make cabbage goulash?
Making cabbage goulash is incredibly easy and requires minimal effort. Start by browning ground beef and pork sausage together, then add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cider vinegar and spices for flavor. Finally, stir in the shredded cabbage and simmer until tender but still firm. You should follow the steps below.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 10 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Step 1
Over medium heat, cook the pork sausage and ground beef in a large skillet or pot until both are browned and cooked through. Drain off any fat from the pan.
Step 2
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, occasionally stirring, until softened.
Step 3
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend together.
Step 4
Add the shredded cabbage and stir it into the mixture to combine everything together well. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring until cabbage is tender but still firm.
Step 5
Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot.
Tips
– You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork sausage if desired.
– Add extra vegetables such as diced bell peppers, celery, carrots or potatoes to the goulash if you’d like to bulk it up a bit more.
– If you prefer a spicier goulash, add in 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes.
Cabbage Goulash Recipe
Equipment
- 1 pot
Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded cabbage adding a crunchy and slightly sweet element to the skillet, providing a hearty and nutritious base for the dish.
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar bringing a tangy and acidic element to the dish, balancing the flavors and adding brightness to the overall taste.
- 1/2 large onion chopped, infusing the skillet with a sweet and aromatic flavor, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
- 1/2 can 3 ounces tomato paste, creating a rich and flavorful base for the skillet, adding a concentrated tomato taste and thickening the sauce.
- 1/2 ounces bulk pork sausage adding a savory and meaty flavor to the dish, providing richness and depth to the overall taste.
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder adding a warm and smoky flavor to the skillet, providing a gentle heat and enhancing the overall spiciness of the dish.
- 1/2 ounces ground beef adding an additional layer of meatiness and enhancing the overall texture of the skillet, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder infusing the skillet with a savory and aromatic taste, adding depth and complexity to the flavors.
- 1/2 can 14 ounces diced tomatoes, adding a tangy and slightly sweet taste to the skillet, providing a vibrant color and juiciness to the ingredients.
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, adding a hint of heat and spiciness to the skillet, providing a mild kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Instructions
- Over medium heat, cook the pork sausage and ground beef in a large skillet or pot until both are browned and cooked through. Drain off any fat from the pan.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, occasionally stirring, until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend together.
- Add the shredded cabbage and stir it into the mixture to combine everything together well. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring until cabbage is tender but still firm.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition Information
1 each: 183 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
What to serve with cabbage goulash?
Cabbage Goulash is great served over cooked rice, egg noodles or mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, you could also consider serving it on its own or with a side of salad.
How to store leftover cabbage goulash?
Leftover Cabbage Goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, as long as all ingredients are cooked thoroughly and any meat used is cooked completely through with no pink areas.
FAQs
Is cabbage goulash gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free, then this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, celery and carrots. To make it vegan, also omit the cheese and use plant-based milk to make a creamy sauce instead of using cream.
Wrapping Up
Cabbage Goulash is an easy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. It’s hearty enough to be served as a main dish with a side of rice or mashed potatoes and is also great as leftovers. With just a few simple ingredients, this delicious goulash can be whipped up in no time!
Thanks for reading this guide on how to make cabbage goulash! We hope you enjoyed the recipe and found it helpful.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
