Crockpot Cabbage with Ground Beef
This hearty crockpot cabbage with ground beef is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that practically cooks itself. With tender cabbage, savory beef, and rich tomato flavors, it’s the kind of one-pot dish that fills your home with amazing aromas all day long. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Transfer the beef mixture to your crockpot.
- Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and bay leaves.
- Stir everything together to combine well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove the bay leaves and taste for seasoning before serving.
Practical Tips
Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to blend together, so feel free to make it ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
Brown the meat properly: Taking time to brown the ground beef in a skillet first adds depth of flavor that you won’t get if you skip this step. It only takes a few minutes and makes a real difference.
Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery to make this dish your own. Just keep the total amount of vegetables similar to maintain proper cooking time.
How to Store It
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Common Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute. You can also use diced beef stew meat, though you may need to extend the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours on low.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just verify that your beef broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
What should I serve this with? This hearty one-pot meal is delicious on its own, but you can serve it over rice, egg noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.