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Spicy Unstuffed Cabbage

This ground sausage and cabbage dish is a huge hit at potluck suppers. You can adjust the spiciness to your own palate. I also think it just gets better the next day!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 2971.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet Preferably a heavy-bottomed one for even heat distribution.
  • 1 Spatula or wooden spoon For cooking and stirring.
  • 1 Colander For draining excess grease from the meat.
  • 1 Cutting Board For preparing the onion and cabbage.
  • 1 Chef's knife For chopping the onion and shredding cabbage efficiently.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pound spicy bulk pork sausage
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
  • 10 cups shredded cabbage

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir sausage and beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes; drain and discard grease.
  • Stir diced tomatoes, onion, tomato paste, vinegar, chili powder, salt, and red pepper flakes into sausage mixture. Fold in cabbage. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Notes

To achieve optimal flavor, ensure the sausage and beef are well-browned before adding other ingredients; this develops critical maillard reactions. For a deeper, richer tomato base, consider sautéing the tomato paste with the cooked meat for a minute or two before adding liquids. When incorporating cabbage, it will seem like a lot, but it wilts down significantly. Avoid overcooking the cabbage; it should be tender-crisp, not mushy, to retain its texture and nutrients. Adjust red pepper flakes cautiously; taste and add more in small increments. A touch of smoked paprika could add another layer of complexity. This dish also benefits from resting, allowing flavors to meld, making it an excellent make-ahead option.