Unstuffed Cabbage

Most of my resolutions this new year are pretty standard.  I wanted to eat better, look better and save money.  The usuals, as far as I'm concerned.  Within the "eat better" category, I set myself a number of smaller goals that I thought would help me start my diet journey.  I wanted to drink more water, eat more green (vegetables) and eat less white (flour, sugar).  I'm too old to give in to the notion that I can successfully cut out an entire food group.

I've met me.  Not happening.

So, with that "Been there, done that" mindset, I've gone for slow and steady, opting to eat everything in moderation, but stick to a daily calorie goal.  

I do have some low-carb/slow-carb/no-carb recipes I've kept around because they were genuinely tasty meals that didn't make me feel like I was depriving myself.  One of my favorites is this hearty meal I call Unstuffed Cabbage.

My family was not big on stuffed cabbage growing up.  The first time I tried it was in college, when my suite-mates made pigs in a blanket and I finally had to admit that I despised all things pork after two reluctant bites in.  I found a recipe for stuffed cabbage with ground beef, or galumpkis, and that's what I've used ever since.

While stuffed cabbage is super easy to make, you can actually toss out the only step that requires any  modicum of effort simply by NOT stuffing the cabbage.  In fact, just tossing all of the ingredients into a slow cooker makes this one of the easiest versions you can find.  And, it still tastes just as good, even if the presentation loses a few points.

Truth be told, if I'm being 100% honest, I really like this with a piece of toasted baguette on the side.  So... maybe I don't eat this as no-carb as I'd like to.  But there's a healthy dose of tomato power, plus cabbage power for your required daily vegetable servings.  Ground beef is not the leanest of meats, but it's protein and it's delicious.  And, it tastes hearty, like you could bring a pot of it with you to enjoy during outdoor winter activities because it's warm and it keeps you feeling full for a long time.  It reminds me a lot of goulash, which was a huge thing in the winters of my childhood.  Any time we went to hunting camp, ice fishing or down to our sugar shanty to collect sap for syrup, we usually had a pot of goulash or chili.  Even while substituting cabbage for pasta, it still gives me a nostalgic feeling.

This is another super easy slow cooker recipe that I promise will keep you warm and on track this January!

Unstuffed Cabbage

2 lb. ground beef

1 white onion, finely diced

1 small green cabbage, diced

2 tbsp. minced garlic

1 28oz, can of diced tomatoes

1 cup tomato sauce

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp dried parsley

2 tsp dried basil

2 tsp dried oregano

Salt & Pepper to taste

Throw all ingredients in a large slow cooker.  

Cook on high for 4 hours.

Serve with crackers or bread, if desired.