Slow Cooker Cabbage & Beef Stew
Description
This Slow Cooker Cabbage & Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting meal made with tender ground beef, chunky cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and flavorful seasonings. Everything simmers together until the cabbage is tender and the savory tomato broth is rich and delicious. It’s an easy, budget-friendly crockpot dinner that tastes even better the next day!
🥩 Ingredients
1½ lbs ground beef
1 small head green cabbage, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil, if needed
👩🍳 Instructions
Brown the beef:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the aromatics:
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Prepare the slow cooker:
Add the chopped cabbage to the slow cooker. Pour the cooked beef and onion mixture over the top.
Add the tomatoes and broth:
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Season:
Add smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together.
Slow cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have come together.
Final seasoning:
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as desired.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
💡 Tips
For a leaner version, use 90% or leaner ground beef.
Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
If you prefer a soupier consistency, add another ½–1 cup beef broth.
For extra richness, add a small splash of Worcestershire sauce near the end.
The flavors become even better after resting overnight.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey is a lighter alternative and works very well with cabbage and tomatoes.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer everything in a large pot for about 35–45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Q: Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely. Add 2–3 diced potatoes along with the cabbage for an even heartier meal.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Q: Is this a good meal-prep recipe?
Yes! Store individual portions in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.