Slow Cooker Ground Beef & Cabbage

Description

This Slow Cooker Ground Beef & Cabbage is a hearty, budget-friendly comfort meal packed with tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

2 lb (900 g) lean ground beef
1 small head cabbage, chopped (6–8 cups)
1 medium onion, diced
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup beef broth (optional)

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
Add beef to the slow cooker.
Stir in onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, and broth if using.
Top with chopped cabbage.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Stir well before serving and adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

Browning the beef adds extra flavour but may be skipped if using very lean beef.
The cabbage will cook down significantly, so don’t worry if the slow cooker looks full.

Tips

Add sliced carrots or diced potatoes for a heartier meal.
Stir in cooked rice during the last 20 minutes for a complete one-pot dinner.
Garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavour.

Servings

Serves: 6–8

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 620mg

Values are approximate.

Benefits

High in protein to help keep you satisfied.
Cabbage provides fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Budget-friendly with simple pantry ingredients.
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
Slow cooker makes cooking hands-off and convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lean substitute.

Do I need to cook the cabbage first?
No. It softens perfectly in the slow cooker.

How long will leftovers keep?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a sealed container.

Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or your favourite hot sauce to taste.