Crockpot Cabbage with Ground Beef
This hearty crockpot cabbage with ground beef is a comforting one-pot meal that practically cooks itself. It combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and rice in a savory tomato-based broth that fills your home with wonderful aromas while you go about your day.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
- 1 can tomato sauce, 8 ounces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your crockpot.
- Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce to the crockpot.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasonings to taste.
Practical Tips
- Enhance the flavor: For extra depth, brown the chopped cabbage with the beef in the skillet before transferring everything to the crockpot. This adds a subtle caramelized note to the dish.
- Adjust the consistency: If your finished dish seems too thick, stir in additional beef broth a quarter cup at a time. If it’s too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery to the crockpot along with the cabbage for extra nutrition and flavor variety.
How to Store
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Common Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works as a leaner alternative. The cooking time remains the same, though you may want to add a bit more oil when browning since turkey is leaner than beef.
Do I need to brown the beef first? Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot improves the flavor significantly by developing a deeper, richer taste through the cooking process. It only takes a few extra minutes and is well worth the effort.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? You can omit it or substitute with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar in equal amounts. The dish will still be delicious, though with a slightly different flavor profile.