Cabbage stew is a simple, hearty meal that’s been a comfort food staple for generations. Made with tender beef, vegetables, beans, and a flavorful broth, it’s filling without being heavy. This is the kind of one-pot dinner that comes together easily and feeds the whole family. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, comforting recipe, this cabbage stew delivers.
For more hearty comfort food, try Smothered Pork Chops or finish off with a dessert like Fried Cheesecake.
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What is Cabbage Stew?
Cabbage stew is a rustic, one-pot meal made with cabbage, meat, vegetables, beans, and broth. It’s commonly associated with Southern and old-fashioned home cooking, where simple ingredients are slow-simmered for maximum flavor. The cabbage softens as it cooks, absorbing the rich broth and seasoning. The result is a comforting, hearty stew that’s easy to make and deeply satisfying.
Looking for more soup recipes? Give Swamp Soup or Chicken and Dumplings a try as well. They both are at the top of my comfort food list!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This cabbage stew recipe is comforting, affordable, and incredibly easy to make. The beef becomes tender as it simmers, the vegetables add natural sweetness, and the cabbage ties everything together. It’s a great make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day. If you love simple, no-fuss comfort food, this recipe belongs in your rotation.
If you're looking for something even heartier, check out this recipe for Traditional Brunswick Stew.
Ingredients
Vegetables: What would cabbage stew be without cabbage...exactly! This recipe calls for a head of cabbage cut into big chunks, two diced onions, and a can of tomatoes. Of course, the cabbage cooks down and softens quite a bit. So, while you might not find the term "big chunks" to be that appetizing, that's what they start out as!
Meat: Ground beef was the chosen protein for this stew, and it works perfectly. I personally think a spicy Italian sausage would also work well. But given the number of times I get onto my in-laws for putting hot sauce on their Runzas...I figure I better leave their recipe as is.
Beans: Okay, here we go! Instead of using black beans, kidney beans, white beans, or other plain 'ol beans in true Texan form, they chose two cans of Ranch Style Beans.
Extras: The other ingredients for this cabbage stew recipe are water, minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Now you can see why I call this an easy recipe and give a lot of credit to ranch-style beans.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Want somthine ong the spicier side? This Crockpot Jambalaya will have you covered!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by dicing the onion and slicing the cabbage into large chunks.
Next, in a large stockpot, brown the ground beef. Once the meat is browned, add the garlic, one can of tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture to be sure the salt and pepper are fully mixed into the beef and tomato mixture. Turn the heat to medium-low, bringing the remaining ingredients to a slow simmer.
Working in layers, place about half the cabbage and onions over the beef. Then, the other can of tomatoes and both cans of ranch-style beans. Lastly, add another layer of cabbage and onions, top off with a can of water, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has fully softened and cooked down about 30-45 minutes.
Expert Tips
Cut the cabbage into larger chunks, so it holds its texture during cooking and doesn’t break down too much.
Brown the meat first if possible. This step adds depth and richness to the broth.
Simmer gently rather than boiling. A low simmer keeps the meat tender and prevents the vegetables from overcooking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning near the end. As the stew reduces, flavors concentrate.
This stew thickens as it sits. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. It’s packed with vegetables and protein, making it a balanced, filling meal.
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day.
Yes. Store it in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Beef is traditional, but sausage or ground turkey also works well.
Not if cut into larger pieces and simmered gently.
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📖 Recipe
Cabbage Stew
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef - lean
- 1 Head of Cabbage - sliced
- 2 Yellow Onions - diced
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 15 Oz Ranch Style Beans - canned
- 26 Oz Ranch Style Beans - canned
- 2 - 14.5 Oz Fire Roasted Tomatoes - canned
- 1 - 14.5 Oz Can of Water
- 1 ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a large stockpot brown the ground beef.
- Add salt and pepper then one can of tomatoes stirring to fully combine.
- Reduce heat to medium low and add a layer of cabbage and onions.
- Now, add both cans of beans and the second can of tomatoes.
- Add the remaining cabbage and onions then top it off with a can of water.
- Cover and simmer on low stirring occasionally until the cabbage has completely softened and cooked down.
- Serve the cabbage stew with a side of cornbread and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Ensure you use a large stock pot and add the cabbage in layers. The leaves can take a while to cook down, so you'll need the space in the pot.
- Be patient. You may feel as though it's taken too long for the cabbage to cook down. It will happen. Just stir occasionally to turn the stew.
- I highly recommend serving this with warm, freshly baked cornbread—the flavors and texture pair perfectly together.
Maggie says
Very easy and really good. Definitely will make many more times. One question, FAQ gives calories per serving but no serving size. Is it one cup?
Jeremy Klae says
Hi Maggie! So glad you like the Cabbage Stew! The serving size is right at about 2 cups. It's really very healthy!