Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the cabbage thoroughly and remove any damaged outer leaves. Cut it into bite-sized chunks.
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh tomatoes. Set everything aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Add paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and cumin to the beef mixture.
Stir well so the seasonings coat the meat evenly.
Mix in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, allowing everything to cook together for another minute.
Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chopped cabbage into the slow cooker.
Add the chopped tomatoes and crushed tomatoes.
Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the cabbage.
Pour in the beef broth and gently stir to distribute the ingredients.
Don’t worry if the cabbage looks like it fills the slow cooker. It will shrink considerably as it cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Stir gently once or twice during cooking if convenient.
The dish is ready when the cabbage is tender, the flavors have blended beautifully, and the beef mixture is fully cooked.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
If there is too much liquid, remove the lid for the final 20–30 minutes of cooking.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve this delicious cabbage and ground beef stew warm in individual bowls.
It pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed white rice.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Crusty homemade bread.
- A fresh green salad.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
- Brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker for a deeper flavor.
- Cut the cabbage into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Avoid adding too much broth because cabbage releases plenty of moisture.
- For a little heat, add red pepper flakes.
- For extra vegetables, include diced carrots or bell peppers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Can You Freeze This Recipe?
Yes! Allow the stew to cool completely, divide it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker cabbage and ground beef stew proves that simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying homemade meal. The cabbage becomes wonderfully tender while the ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and spices create a rich and comforting sauce.
It’s an excellent addition to your weekly dinner rotation, especially when you want something affordable, filling, and easy to prepare.
A little reminder: Although cabbage and beef provide useful nutrients, this recipe is a comforting meal, not a natural morphine or a proven treatment for muscle, joint, or rheumatic pain.
See more on the next page
