Introduction
This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Cabbage is an easy, hearty Crockpot dinner made with ground beef, chopped cabbage, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and simple seasonings.
As everything cooks together, the cabbage becomes tender and absorbs the savory beef and tomato flavors. The result is a comforting one-pot meal that is inexpensive, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why This Recipe Is Popular
This recipe uses basic ingredients and requires very little preparation.
Ground beef gives the dish plenty of flavor, while cabbage adds texture and helps stretch the meal into several servings. Tomatoes and seasonings create a rich, savory base without needing a complicated sauce.
It is also easy to customize with rice, potatoes, carrots, or extra vegetables.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 2½–3½ hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 6 hours
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 medium green cabbage, chopped
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional
Prepare the Ground Beef
For the best texture and flavor, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Break it into small crumbles as it cooks.
Drain excess grease.
You can technically place raw ground beef directly in some slow cooker recipes, but browning it first gives a better finished texture and lets you remove excess fat.
Transfer the browned beef to the Crockpot.
Prepare the Cabbage
Remove any damaged outer leaves.
Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the tough core.
Chop the leaves into medium-size pieces.
Do not chop them too finely because cabbage shrinks considerably while cooking.
Add the cabbage over the ground beef.
Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic.
Spread them evenly throughout the Crockpot.
The onions will soften during cooking and add sweetness to the beef and cabbage.
Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and optional brown sugar.
Stir well.
Pour the sauce evenly over the beef and cabbage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Add the browned ground beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Top with chopped cabbage.
Add the onion and garlic.
Pour the seasoned tomato mixture over everything.
Cover with the lid.
Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 2½–3½ hours.
Near the end of cooking, stir gently so the cabbage and beef are evenly coated in the sauce.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Tips for Best Results
Brown the ground beef first for better flavor.
Drain excess grease before adding the beef to the slow cooker.
Keep the cabbage pieces fairly large so they do not disappear completely.
Do not add too much broth because cabbage releases a lot of moisture as it cooks.
Taste before adding extra salt because broth and Worcestershire sauce already contribute seasoning.
Flavor Variations
For Ground Beef, Cabbage and Rice, stir in cooked rice near the end.
For Ground Beef, Cabbage and Potatoes, add diced potatoes near the beginning.
For Spicy Beef and Cabbage, add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
For Cheesy Beef and Cabbage, sprinkle shredded cheddar over each serving.
For a sweeter cabbage-roll-style flavor, add a little more brown sugar.
How to Serve
Serve this dish hot in bowls or on plates.
It is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Crusty bread
- Dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Green salad
For a simple family dinner, spoon the beef and cabbage over mashed potatoes or rice.
Meal Prep and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave.
If the mixture thickens too much after refrigeration, add a small splash of beef broth.
This dish also works well for meal prep because the flavor develops even more overnight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use very fatty ground beef without draining it.
Avoid shredding the cabbage too finely.
Do not add several cups of broth.
Avoid overcooking if you prefer cabbage with a little texture.
Do not add uncooked rice unless you also adjust the liquid carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw ground beef in the slow cooker?
You can, but browning it first is better because it improves flavor and removes excess grease.
What cabbage works best?
Regular green cabbage works perfectly.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes. Add medium-size potato chunks at the beginning.
Can I add rice?
Yes. Cook the rice separately and stir it in near the end for the easiest result.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes. Ground turkey can replace the beef.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Cabbage is a simple, budget-friendly one-pot dinner with tender cabbage, savory beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
Brown the beef, add the cabbage and seasonings, and let the Crockpot handle the rest for an easy comfort-food meal that feeds the whole family.