If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, cozy hug, then this Hearty Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Combining tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and rich, flavorful broth, this stew is a celebration of simple ingredients that come together in the most satisfying way. The cabbage adds a gentle sweetness and body, while the slow-cooked beef practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a nourishing family dinner or a make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week, this stew promises deep flavor and hearty goodness in every bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is easier than you might think. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, from building the depth of flavor to offering vibrant color and texture. These essentials come together to make the magic happen.
- 1 pound beef chuck roast (or stewing beef, trimmed and cubed): The star protein that becomes irresistibly tender after slow cooking.
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning: Adds just enough spice and enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For optional browning, giving the beef a rich, caramelized crust.
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped, or 2 small): Provides aromatic sweetness that forms the stew’s flavor base.
- 1 large russet potato (peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes): Adds heartiness and helps thicken the stew naturally.
- 2 ribs celery (sliced): Brings freshness and a subtle crunch to the mix.
- 2 carrots (sliced): Infuse sweetness and beautiful orange color.
- 6 cups chopped green cabbage (1-inch chop): This leafy vegetable softens up during cooking, balancing the dish with its unique texture.
- 3 cups beef broth (or beef stock): The savory liquid foundation that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes (with juices): Adds acidity and richness, breaking down into luscious chunks as they cook.
- 1 beef bouillon cube: Boosts beefy umami depth for a well-rounded stew.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a slight sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a warm, herbaceous note.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Brings subtle earthiness to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional): Use this to thicken your stew if you prefer a richer consistency.
How to Make Hearty Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe
Step 1: Optional Browning of the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with your steak seasoning and brown them in batches until they develop a rich, golden crust. This simple step adds incredible depth and a beautiful color to your stew. Once browned, transfer the beef into your slow cooker to await the next layers of flavors.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Load your slow cooker with the chopped onions, potatoes, celery, carrots, and cabbage. These veggies will soften and mingle beautifully with the beef juices during the long cooking process. The cabbage, in particular, will look like a lot at first but don’t worry—it will shrink down and give your stew fantastic texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes
Next, grab that can of whole tomatoes, break them up with your hands, and add them along with their juicy goodness into the slow cooker. This naturally adds a burst of bright acidity that balances the richness of the beef and broth.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in your beef broth, crumble in the beef bouillon cube, stir in tomato paste, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Each of these ingredients contributes layers of savory, herbal, and slightly sweet notes that make the stew sing. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all the elements before covering the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let everything cook low and slow. You can choose 8 to 10 hours on low or speed things up with 5 to 6 hours on high. The goal is tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked vegetables that soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Step 6: Final Seasoning Touches
Once cooked, taste your stew and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. If you want a thicker stew, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the stew, cooking for a few more minutes until thickened. This easy step helps you tailor the consistency exactly how you like it.
How to Serve Hearty Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves brings a fresh pop of green and brightness to every bowl. For a little extra richness, a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of crème fraîche complements the hearty flavors without overpowering the stew.
Side Dishes
This stew is filling on its own, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls makes for a perfect meal. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stew in rustic bread bowls for a charming touch that’s both practical and fun. Alternatively, ladle the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for an extra cozy, comforting meal experience that makes every bite feel indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect ready-to-eat meal for busy days ahead.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Hearty Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe in suitable containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space for expansion and label your containers to keep track. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. You can also microwave individual portions, just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent hot spots. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew seems too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! Beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking, but you can also use brisket or beef shank. Just make sure the cut is suitable for slow cooking so it becomes fork-tender.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?
Browning the beef is optional but highly recommended. It adds a depth of flavor and richer color to the stew, making it taste more complex and satisfying, though you can skip it if short on time.
Can I substitute the cabbage for another vegetable?
While cabbage is key to the unique texture and flavor of this stew, if you prefer, you can use kale or Swiss chard. Keep in mind they have different cooking times and textures, so adjust accordingly.
How do I make this stew gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and avoid any seasoned additives containing gluten. Always check labels to be sure!
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef in a heavy pot, then add all ingredients, cover, and simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours until beef is tender. Just make sure to stir occasionally and keep an eye on the liquid levels.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites whenever I want something comforting, wholesome, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those go-to dishes that warms you from the inside out and brings everyone together around the table. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every tasty spoonful as much as I do!
Print
Hearty Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hearty and comforting Beef and Cabbage Stew slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. This stew combines nutritious cabbage, potatoes, and a rich tomato-based broth, making it a perfect meal for chilly days.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 pound beef chuck roast (or stewing beef, trimmed and cubed)
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if browning the beef)
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped, or 2 small)
- 1 large russet potato (peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes)
- 2 ribs celery (sliced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 6 cups chopped green cabbage (1-inch chop)
Liquids and Flavoring
- 3 cups beef broth (or beef stock)
- 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Optional Browning: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with steak seasoning, then brown beef in two batches until all sides are seared. Transfer browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: Place chopped onions, cubed potatoes, sliced celery, carrots, and chopped cabbage into the slow cooker on top of the beef.
- Add Tomatoes: Break up the whole canned tomatoes with your hands and pour them with their juices into the slow cooker over the vegetables.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add beef broth, beef bouillon cube, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and salt and black pepper to taste. Place the lid on the slow cooker, noting the cabbage will shrink as it cooks.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Final Seasoning and Thickening: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in a small amount of cold water and stir it into the stew to thicken if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, browning the beef before slow cooking is recommended but optional.
- Cabbage will reduce significantly in volume as it cooks, so don’t worry if it looks crowded initially.
- Cornstarch can be used to thicken the stew near the end of cooking.
- This stew freezes well for convenient future meals.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to your taste preference.
