10 Easy Cabbage Recipes for Dinner

Cabbage is affordable, versatile, and easy to turn into a delicious dinner. From quick skillets and stir-fries to comforting soups and casseroles, these easy cabbage recipes offer plenty of simple ways to make the most of this budget-friendly vegetable.

Table of Contents

1. Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet
2. Garlic Butter Cabbage
3. Roasted Cabbage Steaks
4. Easy Cabbage Stir-Fry
5. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
6. Cabbage and Potato Skillet
7. Creamy Cabbage Casserole
8. Easy Cabbage Soup
9. Fried Cabbage with Sausage
10. Parmesan Roasted Cabbage

1. Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet

This cabbage and ground beef skillet is a quick, hearty dinner that comes together in one pan. The beef adds richness while the cabbage becomes tender and absorbs the savory tomato and seasoning mixture.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup water

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
3. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add the chopped cabbage and stir until combined.
6. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and water.
7. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove the lid and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes if there is excess liquid.
9. Serve hot.

Cooking Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve with rice or crusty bread for a more filling meal.

2. Garlic Butter Cabbage

Garlic butter cabbage is simple, savory, and full of flavor. The cabbage becomes tender with lightly caramelized edges while the garlic butter gives the dish a rich finish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the chopped cabbage.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
6. Continue cooking until the cabbage is tender and lightly browned.
7. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Cooking Tip: Use a large skillet so the cabbage has enough space to caramelize instead of steaming.

3. Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple and satisfying way to enjoy cabbage. High-heat roasting brings out its natural sweetness and creates golden, crispy edges.

Ingredients

• 1 large green cabbage
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves.
3. Slice the cabbage into 1-inch-thick rounds, keeping the core intact.
4. Place the cabbage steaks on a baking sheet.
5. Brush both sides with olive oil.
6. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Roast for 15 minutes.
8. Carefully flip the cabbage steaks.
9. Roast for another 12 to 15 minutes until tender and browned.

Cooking Tip: Keep the slices thick enough to hold their shape during roasting.

4. Easy Cabbage Stir-Fry

This easy cabbage stir-fry is a fast dinner filled with crunchy vegetables and savory flavor. It is one of the most flexible cabbage dinner recipes because you can add chicken, shrimp, tofu, or leftover meat.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 6 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and carrots and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Add the cabbage and cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add the garlic and ginger.
5. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and black pepper.
6. Pour the sauce over the vegetables.
7. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Remove from the heat and top with sliced green onions.

Cooking Tip: Keep the heat relatively high so the cabbage stays slightly crisp instead of becoming watery.

5. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a seasoned beef and rice filling. They are perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
3. Carefully remove 12 large cabbage leaves from the head.
4. Boil the leaves for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then drain.
5. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
6. Place about 1/4 cup of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
7. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
8. Mix the tomato sauce and brown sugar.
9. Spread a small amount of sauce in a baking dish.
10. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down.
11. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.
12. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Cooking Tip: If a cabbage leaf tears, overlap two smaller leaves to create a stronger wrapper.

6. Cabbage and Potato Skillet

This cabbage and potato skillet is an inexpensive and filling dinner made with simple ingredients. The potatoes become golden while the cabbage turns tender and naturally sweet.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound potatoes, diced into small cubes
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 5 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup water

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the potatoes and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Add the cabbage, garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in the water and cover the skillet.
6. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
7. Remove the lid and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until excess moisture evaporates.

Cooking Tip: Dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.

7. Creamy Cabbage Casserole

Creamy cabbage casserole is a comforting baked dish with tender cabbage in a rich, cheesy sauce. It is an excellent choice when you want a warm and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 cups chopped cabbage
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the cabbage in a large baking dish.
3. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet.
4. Cook the onion for 3 minutes, then add the garlic.
5. Add the heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Heat gently for 2 minutes.
7. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese.
8. Pour the cream mixture over the cabbage.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
10. Combine breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Cooking Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.

8. Easy Cabbage Soup

This easy cabbage soup is light, flavorful, and packed with vegetables. It is one of the best healthy cabbage recipes when you want a comforting meal that does not feel heavy.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chopped cabbage
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery.
3. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add the cabbage, tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the soup to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
8. Serve once the vegetables are tender.

Cooking Tip: Add cooked beans, shredded chicken, or cooked sausage if you want a more filling meal.

9. Fried Cabbage with Sausage

Fried cabbage with sausage is a flavorful one-pan dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights. Smoky sausage pairs beautifully with sweet, tender cabbage.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 6 cups chopped cabbage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Add the cabbage and season with paprika, pepper, and salt.
5. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

Cooking Tip: Taste before adding extra salt because smoked sausage can already be quite salty.

10. Parmesan Roasted Cabbage

Parmesan roasted cabbage is crispy around the edges, tender in the center, and full of savory flavor. It is an easy recipe with cabbage that works as a side dish or a lighter dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 medium green cabbage
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Cut the cabbage into thick wedges.
3. Place the wedges on a large baking sheet.
4. Brush with olive oil.
5. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the cabbage.
7. Roast for 15 minutes.
8. Carefully flip the wedges.
9. Roast for another 12 to 15 minutes until browned and tender.

Cooking Tip: Leave space between the cabbage wedges on the baking sheet for crispier edges.

Tips for Cooking Cabbage

• Do not overcook it. Cabbage can become soft and watery when cooked for too long.
• Cut pieces evenly. Similar-sized pieces cook more evenly.
• Use high heat for stir-fries. This helps cabbage stay slightly crisp.
• Roast at a high temperature. Around 425°F helps create caramelized edges.
• Salt carefully. Add a small amount first, especially when using sausage, soy sauce, broth, or Parmesan.
• Keep the core attached when roasting cabbage steaks. It helps the slices hold their shape.

These simple techniques can help you make everything from healthy cabbage recipes to rich and comforting cabbage dinner recipes.

Looking for a quick and flavorful cabbage dish? Try this easy stovetop cabbage recipe for a simple weeknight dinner.

Conclusion

These 10 easy cabbage recipes for dinner prove that cabbage can be much more than a simple side dish. From hearty cabbage and ground beef skillets to comforting soups, casseroles, roasted cabbage, and flavorful stir-fries, there are plenty of delicious recipes with cabbage to enjoy.

Whether you are looking for an inexpensive weeknight meal, healthy cabbage recipes, or something comforting for the whole family, cabbage is a versatile ingredient worth keeping in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to cook cabbage for dinner?

The easiest method is cooking chopped cabbage in a skillet with oil or butter, garlic, and simple seasonings. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Can cabbage be the main ingredient in a dinner?

Yes. Cabbage can be used as the main ingredient in soups, casseroles, stuffed cabbage rolls, skillet meals, and stir-fries.

How do you keep cabbage from becoming watery?

Avoid adding too much liquid and do not overcook it. Cooking cabbage over medium-high heat and leaving the pan uncovered near the end can help excess moisture evaporate.

What meat goes well with cabbage?

Ground beef, smoked sausage, chicken, bacon, and pork all pair well with cabbage.

Can you prepare cabbage ahead of time?

Yes. You can wash and chop cabbage up to 2 to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.