Coming home to the aroma of a delicious, warm supper that has been simmering steadily all day is a unique experience. Additionally, this Slow Cooker Cabbage and Ground Beef Stew is a meal that should be kept close at hand when it comes to simple comfort food!
Particularly on hectic workdays or leisurely weekends, I adore dishes that don’t need hours of standing in the kitchen. This recipe is incredibly easy, inexpensive, and created with common items. In the slow cooker, flavourful ground beef, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and delectable seasonings combine to provide a warm and filling supper.
Slow Cooker Cabbage and Ground Beef Stew
Recipe Description
Slow Cooker Cabbage and Ground Beef Stew is a delicious, comforting, and nutritious one-pot meal that combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings. Everything cooks slowly together, allowing the flavors to blend into a rich, satisfying stew.
This easy slow cooker beef recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal preparation, and anyone looking for a wholesome family dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Cabbage provides fiber, vitamin C, and beneficial plant compounds, while lean ground beef supplies protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Tomatoes, garlic, onions, and warming spices add flavor and contribute antioxidants.
This recipe can also fit into an anti-inflammatory eating pattern when prepared with minimally processed ingredients, lean beef, and plenty of vegetables.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
- Diet: Gluten-Free (check broth and seasoning labels)
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for browning)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the cabbage thoroughly and remove any damaged outer leaves. Cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots. Set the vegetables aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Browning the beef first adds extra flavor, although you can skip this step if you prefer a simpler slow cooker preparation.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Place the chopped cabbage and sliced carrots into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the browned ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, thyme, turmeric, black pepper, and salt.
Stir gently to distribute the ingredients and seasonings.
The cabbage will initially look like a large amount, but it will shrink considerably as it cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- LOW: Cook for 6–8 hours.
- HIGH: Cook for 3–4 hours.
Cook until the cabbage is tender, the carrots are soft, and the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Avoid lifting the lid frequently because this releases heat and increases cooking time.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Stir the stew gently to combine all the flavors.
Add apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice for a little brightness.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty cabbage and beef stew is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with:
- Brown rice: Adds whole grains and extra fiber.
- Quinoa: Provides additional plant-based protein.
- Roasted sweet potatoes: A naturally sweet and nutritious side.
- Cauliflower rice: A lower-carbohydrate alternative.
- Whole-grain bread: Perfect for soaking up the tomato broth.
- Fresh green salad: Adds freshness and additional vegetables.
- Steamed broccoli: Complements the stew with extra fiber and nutrients.
For a lighter meal, serve a generous bowl of stew with a fresh cucumber and leafy green salad.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
This recipe includes several ingredients that can support an overall healthy eating pattern.
Cabbage: Contains vitamin C, fiber, and glucosinolates, which are natural plant compounds found in cruciferous vegetables.
Tomatoes: Provide lycopene, an antioxidant associated with supporting cellular health.
Garlic: Contains sulfur-containing compounds and antioxidants.
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a naturally occurring compound studied for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Olive Oil: Supplies monounsaturated fats and antioxidant compounds.
Carrots: Provide beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A.
Lean Ground Beef: Provides complete protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Together, these ingredients make a nutrient-rich meal that can complement an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern. However, no single recipe can treat or prevent inflammation or chronic disease.
Recipe Variations
1. Low-Carb Cabbage and Beef Stew
Skip the carrots and serve the stew without rice or bread. Use a tomato sauce without added sugar.
2. Spicy Ground Beef and Cabbage Stew
Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper for extra heat.
3. Mediterranean-Style Cabbage Stew
Add zucchini, extra garlic, oregano, and a little lemon juice. Use olive oil and lean ground beef for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
4. Ground Turkey Cabbage Stew
Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
5. Vegetable-Packed Cabbage Stew
Add chopped bell peppers, celery, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables and fiber.
6. Low-Sodium Cabbage and Beef Stew
Choose no-salt-added tomatoes, low-sodium broth, and fresh herbs. Reduce the added salt to suit your dietary needs.
7. Hearty Cabbage Roll Stew
Add ½ cup uncooked rinsed brown rice and approximately ½ cup additional broth. Check the rice manufacturer’s recommended cooking time and add it early enough to cook completely. Alternatively, cook the rice separately and stir it into the finished stew.
Storage and Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual airtight containers for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
For convenient meal preparation, divide the stew into individual portions once cooled and refrigerate or freeze.
Estimated Nutrition Facts
Approximate nutritional values per serving, based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Total Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5 g
- Total Sugars: 9 g
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Vitamin C: Good source
- Vitamin A: Good source
- Iron: Good source
- Potassium: Approximately 850 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and varies according to the ground beef fat percentage, broth, tomato products, and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I put raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker?
Yes. Ground beef can be cooked directly in a slow cooker, but browning it first improves flavor and texture. Ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
2. Do I need to cook the cabbage before adding it?
No. Add raw chopped cabbage directly to the slow cooker. It will soften as the stew cooks.
3. Can I make this recipe without tomato sauce?
Yes. Replace the tomato sauce with additional diced tomatoes and a little broth. The consistency will be slightly thinner.
4. Is cabbage and ground beef stew good for weight management?
It can be a satisfying meal because it provides protein, vegetables, and fiber. Portion sizes and the overall balance of your diet matter most.
5. Is this recipe suitable for an anti-inflammatory diet?
It can fit into an anti-inflammatory eating pattern, especially when made with lean beef, olive oil, plenty of vegetables, and low-sodium ingredients. For a more plant-forward version, substitute some of the beef with beans or lentils.
6. Can I prepare this stew the night before?
Yes. Chop the vegetables and refrigerate them separately from the raw ground beef. Brown the beef and assemble the ingredients shortly before cooking. Do not leave assembled raw meat and vegetables at room temperature overnight.
7. Why is my cabbage stew watery?
Cabbage naturally releases water during cooking. If the stew is too thin, remove the lid and simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce the liquid, or thicken it with a small cornstarch slurry.
8. Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes. Red cabbage works well, although it has a slightly different flavor and may change the stew’s color.
9. Can I freeze slow cooker cabbage and ground beef stew?
Absolutely. Allow it to cool, divide it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze in individual portions for convenient future meals.
10. What is the best ground beef to use?
Lean ground beef with approximately 85–90% lean meat is a good choice because it provides protein while limiting excess fat.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cabbage and Ground Beef Stew is the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and wholesome ingredients. With tender cabbage, savory beef, flavorful tomatoes, garlic, and antioxidant-rich herbs and spices, this simple one-pot meal makes healthy home cooking easier.
