Filthy Cabbage (Dirty Cabbage)

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon (chopped)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb Italian sausage (casing removed)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 onion (diced fine)
• 1 bell pepper (diced fine)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp complete seasoning (such as Badia)
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1 packet beefy onion soup mix (do not skip)
• 1 head cabbage (chopped)

Steps

1. 1

   Chop the bacon into small pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is brown and crispy.

2. 2

   Remove the crispy bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon grease in the pan.

3. 3

   Add the ground beef and Italian sausage directly into the bacon grease. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks.

4. 4

   Add the flour to the meat mixture and mix it in well to create a light roux with the fats.

5. 5

   Add the tomato paste to the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for about a minute to caramelize before stirring it into the meat.

6. 6

   Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and mix well.

7. 7

   Add the minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, complete seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

8. 8

   Stir in the beefy onion soup mix. This is the key flavor component.

9. 9

   Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It will look like a lot, but it will cook down significantly.

10. 10

    Cover and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes until most of the liquid has cooked out and the cabbage has reached your preferred texture (tender but still having a slight crunch).

11. 11

    Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and mix everything together one last time before serving.

Notes

The author emphasizes not skipping the beefy onion soup mix as it provides the 'magic' flavor. The cabbage will release quite a bit of water, so ensure you simmer it long enough for the liquid to reduce into a thick sauce.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• low-carb
• high-protein
• one-pan
• keto-friendly
• savory
• dinner