15 Delicious Cabbage Dinner Recipes

Cabbage is one of the most underrated yet versatile vegetables in the kitchen. Budget-friendly, nutrient-dense, and widely available, it can transform into hearty mains, comforting soups, or light and flavorful sides.

With its satisfying crunch when raw and tender sweetness when cooked, cabbage is a staple in cuisines worldwide—from Eastern European stuffed rolls to spicy Korean kimchi stews and Asian stir-fries.

It’s also packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.

Whether roasted, braised, stir-fried, or tucked into casseroles, cabbage brings balance, texture, and heartiness to everyday meals. These recipes showcase just how exciting cabbage can be when it’s the star of the dinner table.

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1. Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Description: Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with beef, rice, and herbs, simmered in a savory tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil cabbage leaves until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Mix beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll mixture into cabbage leaves.
4. Place in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.

Twist: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth.

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2. Cabbage Stir-Fry with Garlic & Soy

Description: A quick, flavorful stir-fry with crisp-tender cabbage tossed in a savory soy-garlic sauce.

Ingredients:

• ½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Toss in cabbage, stir-fry for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Twist: Add sliced mushrooms or tofu for a heartier meal.

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3. Cabbage & Sausage Skillet

Description: Smoky sausage paired with tender cabbage and onions in a hearty one-pan meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• ½ head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet.
2. Cook sausage until browned, remove and set aside.
3. Add onion and cabbage, sauté 10 minutes until tender.
4. Return sausage, season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve hot.

Twist: Add diced apples for a sweet-savory flavor contrast.

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4. Creamy Cabbage Soup

Description: A comforting soup with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a creamy broth.

Ingredients:

• ½ head green cabbage, chopped
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cream or half-and-half
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a pot; sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes for 5 minutes.
2. Add cabbage and broth; simmer 20 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in cream, season, and simmer 5 more minutes.
4. Serve warm with bread.

Twist: Add crumbled bacon or ham for smoky depth.

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5. Cabbage & Beef Stir-Fry Noodles

Description: Tender noodles tossed with beef strips, cabbage, and a savory soy-ginger sauce.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz noodles (egg or rice)
• ½ lb beef strips
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package directions.
2. Heat oil in a wok; sear beef until browned. Remove.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and cabbage; stir-fry 5 minutes.
4. Return beef, toss with noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
5. Garnish with green onions.

Twist: Add a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.

6. Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Description: All the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls, simplified into a one-pan bake.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• ½ head cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef with onion, drain excess fat.
2. Stir in cabbage, rice, tomato sauce, paprika, and oregano.
3. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly.

Twist: Add a layer of sour cream on top before serving for tangy richness.

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7. Cabbage & Potato Hash

Description: A rustic skillet dish with crispy potatoes and tender cabbage, perfect for breakfast-for-dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups potatoes, diced
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet; cook potatoes until golden and crisp.
2. Add onion and cabbage, sauté 10 minutes until tender.
3. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve hot, optionally topped with a fried egg.

Twist: Add diced corned beef for a hearty Irish-inspired meal.

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8. Korean Spicy Cabbage Stir-Fry (Kimchi Bokkeum)

Description: A bold and flavorful stir-fry with kimchi, pork belly, and cabbage.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1 cup fresh cabbage, shredded
• ½ lb pork belly or bacon, sliced
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Green onions & sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet; cook pork belly until crisp.
2. Add garlic, kimchi, and cabbage; stir-fry 5 minutes.
3. Stir in gochujang and soy sauce; cook until cabbage is tender.
4. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Twist: Serve over steamed rice with a fried egg for a complete meal.

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9. Braised Red Cabbage with Apples

Description: A sweet and tangy German-inspired side dish that works as a light dinner with sausages or roast meat.

Ingredients:

• ½ head red cabbage, shredded
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a pot; sauté onion and apples until softened.
2. Add cabbage, vinegar, sugar, and stock.
3. Cover and simmer 30 minutes until tender.
4. Season to taste and serve warm.

Twist: Add a pinch of cloves or cinnamon for festive flavor.

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10. Cabbage & Chicken Stir-Fry

Description: A quick, light dinner with lean protein, crisp cabbage, and Asian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok; cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
2. Add garlic, cabbage, and carrot; stir-fry 5 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce.
4. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Twist: Add cashews for crunch and extra protein.

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11. Corned Beef & Cabbage

Description: A traditional Irish comfort dish with tender corned beef, boiled cabbage, and hearty vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs corned beef brisket
• ½ head green cabbage, cut into wedges
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 4 potatoes, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place corned beef, onion, carrots, potatoes, broth, and bay leaves in a pot.
2. Simmer covered for 2 ½ hours until beef is tender.
3. Add cabbage wedges and cook 20 more minutes.
4. Slice beef and serve with vegetables.

Twist: Brush beef with mustard and broil for a caramelized crust.

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12. Cabbage & Ground Pork Dumplings

Description: Juicy dumplings filled with pork and cabbage, perfect for pan-frying or steaming.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 cups cabbage, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Dumpling wrappers
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix pork, cabbage, onions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Fill wrappers with 1 tbsp filling, seal edges with water.
3. Pan-fry dumplings until golden, then steam with a splash of water.
4. Serve with dipping sauce.

Twist: Add finely chopped shrimp to the filling for extra flavor.

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13. Cabbage & Lentil Soup

Description: A hearty, protein-packed soup that’s perfect for meatless nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot; sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until softened.
2. Add lentils, spices, and broth. Simmer 20 minutes.
3. Stir in cabbage and cook another 15 minutes until tender.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Twist: Add lemon juice before serving for a bright finish.

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14. Asian Cabbage Salad with Grilled Chicken

Description: A crunchy, refreshing dinner salad with sweet-sour dressing and juicy chicken.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cabbage, shredded
• 2 cups grilled chicken, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• ¼ cup peanuts, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Toss cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and peanuts in a large bowl.
2. Whisk soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and honey into dressing.
3. Add grilled chicken and drizzle with dressing.
4. Serve chilled or room temperature.

Twist: Top with crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.

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15. Cabbage & Mushroom Pierogi

Description: Polish-inspired dumplings filled with sautéed cabbage and mushrooms.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cups flour
• 1 egg
• ½ cup water
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, mushrooms, and cabbage in butter until soft. Season.
2. Mix flour, egg, water, and salt into dough; roll out and cut circles.
3. Fill each with cabbage mixture, fold, and seal edges.
4. Boil pierogi until they float, then pan-fry in butter until golden.

Twist: Serve with sour cream and fresh dill for authentic flavor.