Slow Cooker Cabbage & Ground Beef Stew
When you want something warm, filling, and incredibly comforting, this Slow Cooker Cabbage & Ground Beef Stew is the answer. Tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes slowly simmer together in a rich seasoned broth until everything is wonderfully tender.
It’s simple old-fashioned comfort food made with affordable ingredients, and the slow cooker does most of the work. Perfect for a chilly evening, busy weekday, or big family meal! ❤️
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen green beans, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Build the slow cooker: Add the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage, onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
- Season: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf.
- Stir gently: Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the seasonings. Don’t worry if the cabbage seems like too much—it will shrink considerably as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3½–4½ hours, until the cabbage, potatoes, and carrots are tender and the flavors have come together.
- Add optional vegetables: If using frozen green beans, stir them in during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- Finish: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Brown the beef first for better flavor and a richer stew.
- Don’t worry if your slow cooker looks very full—the cabbage cooks down significantly.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Want a thicker stew? Remove the lid during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking.
- For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Leftovers are even more flavorful the next day!
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread, cornbread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad.
For a lighter meal, simply enjoy it in a bowl on its own—the beef and vegetables make it filling enough without anything else.
❓ Quick Q&A
Can I use lean ground beef?
Yes. Lean ground beef works very well. If using regular ground beef, drain excess grease after browning.
Can I make this without potatoes?
Absolutely. Simply leave them out and add extra cabbage, carrots, or another vegetable.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey is an easy substitute, although the flavor will be a little lighter.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Cool the stew completely and store it in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to about 3 months for best quality.
Can I make it on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for about 45–60 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
❤️ Old-Fashioned Comfort in Every Bowl
Tender cabbage, hearty ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich tomato-beef broth make this one of those simple recipes that tastes like home.
It’s inexpensive, filling, easy to prepare, and the slow cooker turns everyday ingredients into a deeply comforting meal the whole family can enjoy. 🍲🥬🥩
