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Slow Cooker Ground Beef & Cabbage Stew

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Slow Cooker Ground Beef & Cabbage Stew

Description

Slow Cooker Ground Beef & Cabbage Stew is a warm, comforting, and budget-friendly meal that brings together simple ingredients to create a delicious homemade dinner. This hearty stew combines tender ground beef, soft cabbage, aromatic onions, garlic, and flavorful spices simmered slowly in a rich savory broth until everything becomes perfectly tender and full of flavor.

This recipe is perfect for busy families because the slow cooker does most of the work. With minimal preparation, you can create a satisfying meal that tastes like it has been cooking all day. The combination of protein-rich ground beef and fiber-packed cabbage makes this dish filling, nutritious, and ideal for a balanced meal.

Inspired by classic comfort food recipes, this slow cooker stew is a great choice for cold evenings, meal prepping, or anyone looking for an affordable and easy dinner option. It is naturally low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and can easily be customized with additional vegetables or seasonings.

Whether served on its own, with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes, this ground beef and cabbage stew is a simple recipe that delivers incredible flavor with every bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef
  • 1 medium head cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced (optional)
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
  • 1 bay leaf

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Green onions
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • A drizzle of olive oil before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the beef is optional, but it adds a deeper, richer flavor to the stew.

Drain excess grease if needed and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place chopped cabbage, onion, carrots, and celery (if using) into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Adding vegetables first allows them to absorb the flavorful juices as the stew cooks.

Step 3: Add Beef and Seasonings

Add the cooked ground beef over the vegetables.

Add minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, black pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, chili flakes, and bay leaf.

Mix everything gently to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cook

Pour beef broth over the ingredients.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook:

Low Setting: 6–7 hours
High Setting: 3–4 hours

Cook until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have combined beautifully.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Taste the stew and adjust salt or seasoning if needed.

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra freshness.

Serve warm with:

  • Crusty bread
  • Brown rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Side salad
  • Roasted vegetables

Tips & Notes

  • Brown the beef first: This extra step creates a richer and more delicious flavor, but you can skip it when you need a quicker meal.
  • Cut cabbage evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook more evenly and create a better texture.
  • Make it thicker: Reduce the broth slightly or cook uncovered for the last 15–20 minutes.
  • Make it more nutritious: Add zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or extra vegetables.
  • For extra flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce.
  • Low-carb option: Serve without rice or bread for a keto-friendly meal.
  • Meal prep friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Q&A

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground chicken or turkey works well and creates a lighter version of this stew.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes. It provides a good balance of protein, vegetables, and essential nutrients. It is also naturally low in carbohydrates.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can cook it in a large pot on the stove over low heat for about 45–60 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes. Add chili powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce according to your preference.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the stew in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 4–5 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
Total Time: Approximately 7 hours

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 6g

Health Benefits

✅ High in protein: Ground beef provides quality protein that supports muscle maintenance and keeps you feeling satisfied.

✅ Rich in fiber: Cabbage and vegetables provide fiber that supports healthy digestion.

✅ Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients while creating a filling family meal.

✅ Low-carb friendly: A great option for people following reduced carbohydrate diets.

✅ Meal-prep perfect: Stores well and makes several portions for easy weekday meals.

Slow Cooker Ground Beef & Cabbage Stew is the perfect example of simple ingredients creating a delicious, comforting meal. With tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich homemade broth, this easy slow cooker recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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