The Dirty Cabbage Recipe Everyone’s Talking About

Made with everyday ingredients and packed with rich, savoury flavour, dirty cabbage transforms an inexpensive vegetable into a comforting meal the whole family will love. Despite its name, there’s nothing dirty about this recipe. The cabbage simply takes on the rich colour and flavour of seasoned beef mince, onions, garlic and spices as everything cooks together in one pan. The result is a hearty dish that’s comforting, satisfying and surprisingly addictive.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it as a complete meal on its own or pair it with pap, fluffy rice, mashed potatoes or crusty bread. It even makes a fantastic side dish alongside grilled chicken or a weekend braai. Best of all, this recipe is ready in around 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy South African weeknights when you want maximum flavour with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 500g lean beef mince
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• ½ large cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup beef stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or casserole over medium heat.
2. Add the beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Stir in the onion, garlic, green pepper and grated carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the smoked paprika, paprika, thyme and onion powder. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Mix in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Pour in the beef stock and stir well.
7. Add the shredded cabbage in batches, stirring until it starts to wilt.
8. Cover with a lid and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
9. Season with salt and black pepper.
10. Garnish with spring onions and fresh parsley before serving.

How to Prepare

Finely shredding the cabbage helps it cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavours. Don’t rush the onions at the beginning. Allowing them to soften properly creates a sweeter, richer base for the dish. Use lean beef mince for the best balance of flavour and texture. If the mixture becomes too dry while cooking, simply add a splash more beef stock. If you’d like a little heat, stir in a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving. For extra richness, sprinkle grated mature Cheddar over the top just before serving and allow it to melt gently into the cabbage.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Servings

Serves 4–6

FAQs

Why is it called dirty cabbage?

The cabbage takes on the rich brown colour from the seasoned mince and spices as it cooks, giving it its “dirty” appearance.

Can I make dirty cabbage without beef?

Yes. You can substitute the beef with Russian sausages, chicken mince, turkey mince, mushrooms, lentils or butter beans for a vegetarian version.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes. Dirty cabbage tastes even better the next day after the flavours have developed. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze dirty cabbage?

Absolutely. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

What should I serve with dirty cabbage?

It’s delicious with pap, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, garlic bread or as a side dish with grilled meat.

Check out Mr Make It Happen’s VIRAL Dirty Cabbage recipe below: