Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquids and Staples
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups beef stock or broth
- 1 cup long grain rice
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Vegetables: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, and red bell peppers. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook everything together for another minute to allow the flavors to meld and the tomato paste to deepen in flavor.
- Combine Main Ingredients and Simmer: Add the drained diced tomatoes, long grain rice, beef stock, chopped cabbage, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook gently for 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the lid from the skillet and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt, which should take a few minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- To ensure the rice cooks evenly, keep the heat low and the skillet covered during the simmering step.
- Use freshly chopped parsley as a garnish for a pop of color and freshness.
- For a lower fat version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the seasoning step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American