Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Cabbage Dinner
This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Cabbage Dinner is a hearty, budget-friendly comfort meal made with simple pantry ingredients. Ground beef, tender cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and flavorful seasonings slowly cook together to create a rich, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours
Total Time: 6 Hours 15 Minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the slow cooker.
- Add the ground beef to the bottom of the slow cooker, breaking it into large chunks.
- Top with the chopped cabbage, diced onion, and minced garlic.
- Pour the diced tomatoes and beef broth over the vegetables.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir everything together and break the beef into smaller crumbles.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed white rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Crusty bread
- Cornbread
- Roasted vegetables
Recipe Tips
- Brown the ground beef beforehand if you prefer less grease.
- Green cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet after slow cooking.
- Add sliced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each serving for added richness.
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 360 | 28g | 12g | 22g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean alternatives to ground beef.
Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely. Add diced potatoes during the first hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
Do I need to cook the beef first?
No. The beef cooks safely in the slow cooker, but browning it first provides a richer flavor and reduces excess grease.
Can this recipe be made ahead?
Yes. Prepare everything the night before, refrigerate the slow cooker insert, and start cooking the next morning.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Cabbage Dinner is simple, filling, and packed with comforting flavors. With affordable ingredients and very little preparation, it’s an excellent family meal that’s perfect for busy schedules while still delivering homemade goodness.
