Ingredients — 6 Servings
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
- 1 small green cabbage, about 1½–2 lb, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, optional
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
Optional Finish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness
Full Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the vegetables
Wash and chop the cabbage into bite-size pieces. Dice the onion and carrots, then mince the garlic.
2. Brown the beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add the aromatics
Add the onion and carrots to the beef.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
4. Season the beef
Add:
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes, if using
Stir well for about 30 seconds.
5. Add everything to the slow cooker
Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.
Stir everything together.
6. Slow cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 6–8 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
Stir once or twice if convenient. The cabbage should become tender and the flavors should blend into a rich, savory broth.
7. Check the seasoning
Remove the bay leaf.
Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. For a slightly brighter flavor, stir in 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
8. Serve
Ladle the hot beef and cabbage mixture into bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Time & Servings
- Prep: 15–20 minutes
- Cooking: 6–8 hours on LOW
- Total: About 6½–8½ hours
- Servings: 6
Nut & Allergen Information
Nuts: No peanuts or tree nuts are required.
Common allergens:
- Worcestershire sauce may contain soy, wheat/gluten, or fish, depending on the brand.
- Beef broth may contain soy, wheat/gluten, or other allergens, depending on the brand.
For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free broth and Worcestershire sauce.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings:
- Calories: ~360 kcal
- Protein: ~27 g
- Carbohydrates: ~18 g
- Fat: ~22 g
- Fiber: ~5 g
- Sodium: ~650–850 mg
Nutrition is approximate and varies with the fat percentage of the beef and packaged ingredients.
Q&A
Q: Can I use lean ground beef?
Yes. 90–93% lean ground beef works particularly well.
Q: Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes, but browning first gives the dish deeper flavor and better texture.
Q: Can I add potatoes?
Yes. Add about 2 cups diced potatoes along with the cabbage. They may need enough broth to cook properly.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer covered for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are tender.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a little hot sauce.
Q: How long do leftovers keep?
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to about 3 months for best quality.