Braised Cabbage Recipe

This Braised Cabbage recipe warms you from the inside out. It’s a classic Eastern European recipe with tender bites of beef and shredded cabbage simmering in a savory mix of vegetables and spices. I grew up eating this, and it’s particularly good served with crusty bread and pickles for an easy, crowd-favorite dinner.

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Braised Cabbage with Beef

Braised Cabbage is fairly cheap and easy to make and serve, which is probably why it’s so popular generation after generation. I grew up eating my mom’s braised cabbage, and to this day, I still find it one of the most comforting dishes, because it uses simple, humble ingredients, but the flavors are so satisfying, not to mention the fall-apart tender morsels of beef. It also keeps well and reheats beautifully.

The inspiration for this recipe came from my husband’s cousin Angelina, who also shared her fabulous recipe for Easy Bread Kvas. This is so hearty and delicious, especially paired with a slice of Sourdough Bread and pickles on the side (a weird and wonderful combination).

Braised Cabbage Ingredients

The simple ingredients in this braised cabbage recipe mean it’s easy to make, but you won’t believe the flavors!

• Cabbage – You can buy pre-shredded or use two medium heads. I prefer green cabbage for its milder flavor.
• Beef – the recipe calls for chuck roast beef, but you can use top sirloin beef or substitute the beef – like I did with my Braised Cabbage with Pork.
• Steak Seasoning – my favorite is Montreal Steak Seasoning, but you can use a different brand if you prefer, or just season with salt and pepper.
• Vegetables – diced onions and grated carrots add depth and aroma.
• Sauerkraut – drain well. Try my Homemade Sauerkraut or store-bought versions. It’s the secret ingredient to the best braised cabbage!
• Sauce Ingredients – tomato paste, brown sugar, heavy cream, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and olive oil.

How to Make Braised Cabbage With Beef

Braised cabbage comes together in a large pot on the stove and then simmers away until tender and flavorful.

1. Marinate – in a zip-top bag, mix beef (cut into 1/2″ pieces) with steak seasoning and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

2. Boil a large pot of water, and then shred and stir in 1/2 of the cabbage (1 head). Turn off the heat and soak for 30 minutes then drain and squeeze out any extra water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Shred the second head of cabbage and add to the mixing bowl along with the drained sauerkraut and mix to combine.

4. Sear the beef – Brown the beef chunks in batches in a 6qt Dutch oven on medium-high heat until a slight crust has formed, but don’t worry about cooking through, since it will cook with the braised cabbage. You may need to use two pans. And then, add the browned meat to the cabbage mixture.
5. Make the Sauce – saute the onion and carrot in the skillet until softened. Add tomato paste, heavy cream, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and water to the pan, let it cook, and then add the veggie mixture to the cabbage, and toss to combine.

9. Cook – Transfer the cabbage mixture to the Dutch oven and add bay leaves. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook on medium-low for 25 minutes, stirring a few times to prevent sticking (add 1/4 cup of water if needed). Then lower the heat to low and cook for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove bay leaves and then serve. Note: A Dutch oven is ideal for braised cabbage because it has a heavy bottom for even cooking that is less prone to scorching.

To Serve Braised Cabbage

Traditionally, braised cabbage is served with bread, like my No-Knead Bread or Dutch Oven Bread, or Soft Dinner Rolls, and a pickle (of course). What is it with our fascination with pickles? And what Russian or Ukrainian person doesn’t have a can of pickles in the fridge at all times?

It’s a hearty meal on its own, but you can also serve it alongside Mashed Potatoes, Rice, or a slice of Cornbread (try this homemade recipe, you won’t be disappointed!)

Everything about this braised cabbage with beef is so comforting, with good-for-you veggies, tender beef, and all the flavor that develops as it simmers. I’ll never get tired of this classic braised cabbage recipe.

More Hearty Soups and Stews

This braised cabbage recipe brings me back to childhood with every bite. For more comfort stews that will warm you up, try these recipe favorites:

• Lamb Stew
• Beef Chili
• White Chicken Chili
• Meatball Soup
• Slow Cooker Chili
• Mushroom Soup
• Beef Stew
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Borcht