Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Directions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, combine the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juice, sliced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Place the pot over low heat.
- Cook and stir the ingredients until they begin to simmer, making sure everything is well mixed.
- Add the ground beef on top of the simmering mixture. Cover the pot and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the ground beef is fully cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and serve. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Cooks Note
Do not drain the meat while cooking, as it helps retain all the flavors. For this recipe, 90/10 ground beef is recommended for the best taste.
This hearty beef and cabbage stew pairs wonderfully with sides like corn on the cob or cornbread.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 193 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 67mg |
| Sodium | 105mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Vitamin C | 14mg |
| Calcium | 46mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
| Potassium | 471mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin Story
Ground Beef and Cabbage is a simple yet comforting dish that has its roots in Southern cuisine. While cabbage has been a staple in many cultures for centuries due to its affordability and versatility, this dish likely evolved as a hearty, affordable meal for large families. Cabbage, a vegetable with a long shelf life, was often paired with cheap ground beef to create a filling, nutritious meal. Over time, the dish became popular across the U.S. for its ability to stretch ingredients, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or for meal prep.
Regional Variations
Although this dish is often associated with Southern cooking, similar recipes can be found across many different regions of the world. In Eastern Europe, for example, cabbage and ground meat are used in dishes like stuffed cabbage rolls, while in Ireland, cabbage is often paired with bacon or sausages in hearty stews. The Southern American version typically includes diced tomatoes and Italian seasonings, giving it a slightly different flavor profile compared to these other variations.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
While there are many cabbage-based dishes around the world, Ground Beef and Cabbage stands out for its simplicity and the specific combination of ingredients. Unlike cabbage rolls, which require time-consuming preparation and stuffing, this recipe is straightforward and quick. It's also lighter than some traditional Southern casseroles, as it doesnt rely on heavy cream or cheese, focusing instead on the natural flavors of the beef, cabbage, and tomatoes. Compared to other stews or braised dishes, it uses fewer ingredients and is incredibly budget-friendly, making it a great choice for families looking for an affordable, healthy meal.
Where It's Typically Served
Ground Beef and Cabbage is a popular comfort food often served as a weeknight dinner or during colder months. Its commonly found in family-style restaurants or made at home as an easy, hearty meal. The dish pairs well with simple sides like rice, cornbread, or crusty bread to soak up the juices. It is also ideal for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator and reheats easily, making it a great option for leftovers.
Interesting Facts
- The cabbage used in this dish is rich in Vitamin C and fiber, making it not only delicious but also a healthy choice.
- Ground beef and cabbage dishes are incredibly versatile; they can be modified with various seasonings or add-ins, such as sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers, based on what you have on hand.
- Many people have adapted this recipe for different dietary preferences, including swapping ground beef for ground turkey or using vegetable broth instead of meat-based products.
- The dish is a great example of how simple, inexpensive ingredients can come together to create something both flavorful and satisfying.
FAQ about Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Comments
Patrick Flores
05/09/2025 03:31:23 AM
When I mentioned to my husband that we were having "Ground Beef & Cabbage" for dinner, he gave me a skeptical look. To our surprise, not only did he enjoy it, but so did our very choosy children! I made minor adjustments by adding garlic to the cabbage mix and using 2 cans of tomatoes based on recommendations from other users. I believe that using a half head of cabbage with one can of tomatoes would suffice. For the next time, I plan on preparing this dish with all the specified ingredients, including garlic, 2 cans of Italian diced tomatoes, and half a pound of Italian sausage. This recipe is incredibly simple, budget-friendly, and satisfying for the whole family, not to mention delicious! Don't forget to sprinkle some red pepper flakes and serve it with Texas toast on the side! Yum! Thank you for sharing this great recipe!
Sharon Cruz
08/28/2022 07:56:08 PM
Simple, yet it provides the familiar feeling of "comfort" food without overwhelming richness. I decided to switch out the Italian seasoning for a combination of one teaspoon of cumin and one teaspoon of paprika for a bolder flavor, and I tossed in some fresh tomatoes during the final 10 minutes of cooking. I also opted for Worcestershire sauce in the meat mixture instead of salt. Currently enjoying it over a bed of rice (gotta have my carbs sometimes). Thanks for the fantastic inspiration!
Catherine Nguyen
09/18/2024 09:56:48 AM
I opted to sauté the onions, garlic, and ground beef in a pan with herbs instead of boiling the meat. I then added cabbage and tomatoes, covered the pan, and let it cook for 30 minutes. The dish was served with polenta and topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Michael Martin
02/18/2023 11:09:55 PM
I was running late tonight and needed a quick, satisfying meal that wasn't heavy and definitely not spaghetti (my husband’s favorite). I stumbled upon this recipe and luckily had all the ingredients in my kitchen in some form. With only half a head of cabbage and a can of diced tomatoes, it turned out perfectly. I cooked the ground beef separately as it was quite fatty. I sautéed onions, garlic, and a bit of diced bacon in olive oil before adding the cabbage, then mixed in the tomatoes and cooked beef. I seasoned it with basil, oregano, parsley, red pepper, and paprika, adjusting to taste. At the end, I threw in some diced zucchini that needed to be used. We served it over rice, with my husband adding grated Parmesan because he likes to add it to anything even slightly Italian. He declared it a keeper and asked to include it in our regular dinner rotation. This recipe is a winner – affordable, simple, and quick. Thank you for sharing it!
Dennis Baker
03/08/2025 10:43:49 PM
I stumbled upon this recipe when searching for a new way to prepare ground beef. I happened to have some cabbage that needed to be used, so I decided to give it a go. After reading some of the reviews, I decided to add cumin, paprika, minced garlic, and two cans of diced tomatoes - one of which was seasoned with Italian basil herbs. I also followed the suggestion to serve it over rice. The end result was absolutely delicious! Next time, I'm considering adding a can of tomato sauce for a thicker consistency, but overall, the original recipe was a delightful surprise. The combination of cabbage, onions, and ground beef cooked in one pot created a harmonious blend of flavors that has earned a permanent spot in my recipe collection.
Joyce Rivera
02/02/2023 03:50:39 PM
Absolutely adored it, definitely one of the finest meals my wife and I have ever savored. The depth and complexity of flavors were truly exceptional. Surprisingly affordable and simple to prepare as well, which was a pleasant surprise. It's intriguing how both of these aspects can coexist harmoniously. We decided to double the meat to suit our keto diet and added an extra tablespoon of thyme. Following the recipe, we cooked it in the slow cooker on high for 3.5 hours. Patience was key in allowing the cabbage to release its juices, but the end result was absolutely worth it. There was a significant amount of liquid at the end, but the taste was unbelievably delicious!
Sandra Young
12/09/2023 08:32:30 PM
In its original form, I would rate this recipe as 3 stars. It was decent, but not particularly outstanding or tasty. Following suggestions from others, I decided to incorporate Worcestershire sauce, rice wine vinegar, and paprika, which really enhanced the flavors.
Janet Torres
01/06/2024 04:22:21 PM
I have nothing negative to say about this recipe. It was absolutely perfect. I did modify it by adding two cans of diced tomatoes. I will definitely be making this again in the future.
Kenneth Jackson
04/29/2023 02:50:33 PM
This recipe is perfect for cabbage lovers! I made a few tweaks to enhance the flavors - I precooked ground beef with roasted garlic, onion, and added cabbage, diced tomatoes, carrots, and seasoning. A splash of vodka, a pinch of sugar, and butter brought everything together beautifully. Adding a side of rice or potatoes would make this a satisfying meal. Simple, affordable, and delicious - definitely going into my regular rotation!
Virginia Brown
05/19/2023 11:48:47 PM
I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a way to use up some cabbage and ground beef, and I am blown away by how delicious and easy it is to make! It’s a one-pot wonder. Thank you mtgrapham2 for sharing! My husband absolutely loved it and even commented, "this is really tasty." After reading the reviews, I made a few minor changes. I used chuck beef, so I browned and drained the meat before setting it aside. Then, I sautéed the onion until translucent, added chopped garlic, and tossed in the cabbage for a few minutes. To elevate the flavors, I added Italian seasonings, a generous pinch of red pepper flakes, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a can of diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings, a can of tomato sauce, and a hint of sugar. After simmering for about 40 minutes and letting it rest for 10 minutes, I served it with rice. The dish had the perfect amount of sauce and the cabbage retained a delightful crunch. It was not only delicious but also very satisfying for a hearty dinner. This recipe is versatile and a great way to utilize ingredients on hand. It tasted just as good the next day. My only critique is that I wish I had taken a better photo, but it was so scrumptious that we ate it all before I could!
Ruth Gomez
09/03/2023 09:23:31 AM
Wonderful and simple to prepare. I plan to increase the amount of tomatoes next time.
Anthony Miller
02/14/2023 01:36:46 AM
Rainy weather calls for a cozy dinner cooking on the stove. So simple yet so satisfying. Thank you!
Stephen Lopez
03/11/2023 07:41:43 PM
Minor adjustments made by incorporating Worcestershire sauce and pepper flakes. It would have been better to sauté the beef with onions before adding cabbage and tomatoes. Additional seasoning was required. Despite that, the dish turned out delicious and was simple to make! Will definitely make it again.
Ryan Rodriguez
12/28/2024 12:59:49 AM
It was satisfactory, but could use more spices to enhance the flavor.
Amy Allen
03/13/2025 11:07:41 PM
Great starting point recipe... I followed several tips from reviews - I browned the meat first, sautéed extra onions (used 2 onions) along with it. Then I incorporated both canned tomato (1 can) and fresh, frozen, crushed tomato (1 cup). Added a mix of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, turmeric, and Worcestershire sauce for some extra flavor. Even after these additions, I felt like it needed more depth (since cabbage was still the dominant ingredient), so I threw in a pound of sausage. It turned out "good", but I doubt it will be a go-to favorite. Nonetheless, it was a simple and budget-friendly dish - so that's a plus! I plan to give it another shot with some Parmesan cheese, as suggested, to see if that enhances the flavors.
Jacob Lopez
01/05/2024 12:26:00 PM
Absolutely delicious and incredibly easy to make! I decided to throw in a can of mushrooms because I'm a huge fan, and it took it to the next level :)
Victoria Mitchell
09/09/2024 06:36:33 AM
Everything is perfect.
Charles Nelson
01/07/2024 08:56:16 PM
Absolutely delicious! I prepared a double batch to feed my family of 10 and served it with corn on the cob and corn bread as suggested. The meal was delightful, and 5 out of 7 kids loved it!