Ground Beef and Cabbage is the kind of simple, hearty comfort food that proves a meal does not need to be complicated to be satisfying. Finely chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, onion, Italian seasoning, and lean ground beef cook together in one pot until tender, savory, and full of old-fashioned flavor.
What makes this recipe special? It uses humble pantry staples, but the final dish feels warm, filling, and made with care. The cabbage becomes tender, the tomatoes add moisture and brightness, and the ground beef gives the dish rich, hearty flavor.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, budget-friendly dinners, family meals, or anytime you want something plain, simple, and comforting in the best possible way.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Cabbage
Why are simple country-style recipes always the ones that stay with us? Because they are practical, comforting, and made with ingredients that feel familiar.
This Ground Beef and Cabbage recipe is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but it is made with only a few basic ingredients. Cabbage, tomatoes, onion, seasoning, and ground beef come together slowly in a Dutch oven or large pot until everything is tender and flavorful.
I love how this dish feels homemade without needing a long list of ingredients. It is the kind of meal that tastes like something a mother or grandmother would make when feeding a family from what was already in the kitchen.
The secret tip? Do not cook and drain the ground beef separately. Letting it cook with the cabbage and tomatoes keeps more flavor in the pot.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Time and Servings
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6
What Ingredients Are in Ground Beef and Cabbage?
This recipe uses simple ingredients that cook down into a hearty, comforting one-pot meal.
You’ll need:
1 large head cabbage, finely chopped
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound lean ground beef
Ingredient Notes
Cabbage is the base of this dish. It cooks down until tender and absorbs the flavor of the tomatoes, onion, seasoning, and beef.
Diced tomatoes with juice add moisture, acidity, and a little sweetness.
Onion brings savory flavor and soft texture as it cooks.
Italian seasoning adds an herby flavor that makes the dish taste warm and well-rounded.
Salt helps bring out the flavor of the cabbage and beef.
Ground black pepper adds a mild bite.
Lean ground beef makes the dish hearty and filling. A 90/10 blend works well because it adds flavor without too much grease.
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage
This recipe is made in one Dutch oven or large pot, which keeps the process simple and the cleanup easy.
Add the Vegetables to the Pot
Place the finely chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with juice, sliced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into a Dutch oven or large pot.
Set the pot over low heat.
Cook Until Simmering
Cook and stir the cabbage mixture until it begins to simmer.
The tomatoes will release liquid, and the cabbage will start to soften.
Add the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef on top of the cabbage mixture.
Do not cook and drain it separately.
Cover the pot.
Cook Until Tender
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the ground beef is cooked through.
This should take about 45 minutes.
Break up the beef as it cooks so it blends evenly through the cabbage.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if needed.
The cabbage should be soft, the beef should be cooked through, and the flavors should be savory and comforting.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot as a simple main dish.
It is especially delicious with corn on the cob and cornbread.
Why Cook the Ground Beef With the Cabbage?
Cooking the ground beef directly with the cabbage keeps more flavor in the dish.
If you brown and drain the meat separately, some of the savory beef flavor can be lost. In this recipe, the beef cooks with the vegetables, tomatoes, and seasonings, which helps everything taste more connected.
Using lean ground beef helps keep the dish hearty without making it overly greasy.
What Kind of Ground Beef Works Best?
Lean ground beef works best for this recipe.
A 90/10 ground beef blend is a great choice because it adds flavor but does not release too much fat. Since the beef is not cooked and drained separately, using a leaner blend helps keep the dish balanced.
If you use a higher-fat beef, you may need to spoon off excess grease before serving.
Can You Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Ahead of Time?
Yes, this recipe is great for making ahead.
The flavors settle and deepen as the dish sits, making leftovers delicious. You can cook it once and enjoy it for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
It is also a good meal-prep option because it reheats well.
How to Store Ground Beef and Cabbage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
Let the dish cool before storing, then refrigerate until ready to reheat.
Can You Freeze Ground Beef and Cabbage?
Yes, Ground Beef and Cabbage can be frozen.
Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The cabbage may soften a little after freezing, but the flavor will still be hearty and comforting.
How to Reheat Ground Beef and Cabbage
Reheat leftovers in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through.
You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each one.
If the dish seems dry, add a small splash of water, broth, or tomato juice while reheating.
What to Serve With Ground Beef and Cabbage
Ground Beef and Cabbage is filling enough to serve on its own, but simple sides make it even better.
Serve it with corn on the cob, cornbread, mashed potatoes, rice, roasted potatoes, dinner rolls, biscuits, or a green salad.
For a low-carb meal, serve it with cauliflower mash, roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a side salad.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own.
Add Garlic
Minced garlic adds extra savory flavor.
Add Sausage
Use part ground beef and part sausage for a richer, spicier dish.
Add Rice
Stir in cooked rice to make the meal even heartier.
Add Extra Tomatoes
Use more diced tomatoes if you like a saucier cabbage dish.
Add Red Pepper Flakes
A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the dish gentle heat.
Use Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can replace ground beef for a lighter version.
Add Bell Peppers
Chopped bell peppers add color, sweetness, and texture.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 193
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 4g
Protein: 22g
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef and Cabbage is simple, hearty, comforting, and full of old-fashioned flavor. With chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, onion, Italian seasoning, and lean ground beef, this one-pot recipe turns basic ingredients into a warm and satisfying meal.
Serve it with cornbread and corn on the cob, save leftovers for easy lunches, or customize it with garlic, sausage, rice, or extra tomatoes. This is the kind of plain and simple recipe that feels extra special when made with care.
