Beef Cabbage Stew: Hearty, Healthy, and Easy to Make

Beef cabbage stew is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender ground beef, sweet cabbage, and a medley of warm, zesty flavors. Imagine a bowl of steaming stew packed with vibrant vegetables, perfectly seasoned beef, and a touch of tangy tomato that melts in your mouth. It’s healthy, satisfying, and—bonus—super easy to make!

This recipe pulls inspiration from traditional beef stews but lightens it up with coleslaw mix for convenience and a lighter texture. Just like my hearty chili, this stew is a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!

Why This Beef Cabbage Stew Is So Irresistible

• It’s healthy and packed with vegetables—perfect if you’re looking for something nourishing.
• A true one-pot wonder: less cleanup, more flavor.
• Comes together in just over an hour with simple pantry staples.
• The layers of flavor are incredible: savory, slightly tangy, and perfectly spiced.
• Completely customizable with substitutions and add-ins (details ahead!).

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Beef Cabbage Stew

Let’s talk about a few of the key stars in this easy beef cabbage stew recipe and why they work so well together:

• Ground beef: I recommend extra-lean ground beef to keep the stew light yet hearty. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken if you’d like a leaner option.
• Coleslaw mix: A time-saving hack! Pre-shredded coleslaw mix replaces chopping fresh cabbage without compromising texture or flavor.
• Tomato juice: This is the base of the stew, adding a tangy depth that ties everything together. If needed, vegetable or beef broth can be used as a substitute.
• Greek seasoning: A surprise twist that elevates the flavor profile with herbal notes. No Greek seasoning? Try a mix of oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of cinnamon.

Beef Cabbage Stew Recipe Details

• Servings: 8 servings
• Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Ingredients for Beef Cabbage Stew

• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (11.5 ounce) can tomato juice
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 (16 ounce) package coleslaw mix
• 1 teaspoon Greek-style seasoning

Step-by-Step Beef Cabbage Stew Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain the fat and return the beef to the pot.
2. Add the pinto beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, Italian-style diced tomatoes, corn, tomato juice, and water. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Mix in the coleslaw mix and sprinkle in the Greek seasoning. Stir gently to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to keep the flavors blending evenly.
5. After 1 hour, taste for seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or more Greek seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best Beef Cabbage Stew

• Sauté for flavor: If you have a bit of extra time, sauté the Greek seasoning in the pot before adding the ground beef. It enhances the flavor even more.
• Make it ahead: This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freeze leftovers: It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
• Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to take it over the top.
• Customize: Toss in additional veggies like diced carrots, celery, or zucchini for even more nutrients.

Delicious Beef Cabbage Stew Variations

• Low-carb option: Omit the beans and corn to make a keto-friendly version.
• Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or an extra dash of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Mediterranean flair: Stir in kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese before serving.
• Vegetarian twist: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and add vegetable broth instead of tomato juice.

Beef Cabbage Stew FAQs

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?

Absolutely! Thinly slice a small head of cabbage—it’ll give the same texture but might take a little longer to soften in the stew.

What’s the best side to serve with beef cabbage stew?

I love pairing this with warm, buttery cornbread. It’s also great with crusty rolls or a simple green salad.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.

What beans work best in this stew?

Pinto and kidney beans are a classic pairing, but you could use black beans or chickpeas as well. Canned beans save time, but cooked-from-scratch beans work too!

Can I double the recipe?

You bet! This recipe scales easily—just make sure you’ve got a large enough pot to handle all the ingredients.

So there you have it: a warm, hearty, and healthy beef and cabbage stew that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this stew is guaranteed to hit the spot. What’s your favorite way to customize beef stew? I’d love to hear from you—drop a comment below and let me know!