How do you make braised cabbage with beef tender and flavorful?

To make braised cabbage with beef tender and flavorful, start by searing the beef in a hot pan to develop a rich brown crust. Then, add chopped cabbage along with onions, garlic, and your choice of herbs like thyme or bay leaves. Pour in beef broth or stock to cover the ingredients partially, and simmer on low heat for at least 1 to 1.5 hours. Slow cooking breaks down the beef fibers, making them tender, while the cabbage absorbs the broth's savory flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or tomato paste for balanced acidity.

What cuts of beef work best for braising with cabbage?

Tougher, well-marbled beef cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or short ribs are ideal for braising with cabbage. These cuts become tender and juicy when cooked slowly in liquid over low heat. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, which can dry out and become tough during long cooking. The collagen in tougher cuts breaks down into gelatin during braising, enriching the dish with flavor and a pleasing texture that pairs perfectly with soft, sweet cabbage.

Can I prepare braised cabbage with beef in a slow cooker?

Yes, braised cabbage with beef is well-suited for slow cooker preparation. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first for deeper flavor, then transfer everything into the slow cooker. Add broth and seasonings before cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This method yields tender beef and well-cooked cabbage without needing to watch the pot. Be sure to keep an eye on liquid levels to prevent drying out, adding more broth if necessary.

What sides pair well with braised cabbage and beef?

Braised cabbage with beef pairs nicely with hearty sides such as mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful braising liquid. Roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans provide a fresh contrast, while a light salad adds balance. If you want to keep the meal lower in carbs, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed mushrooms for an earthy complement.

How should braised cabbage with beef be stored and reheated?

Store leftover braised cabbage with beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry to restore moisture. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor. Avoid reheating multiple times to keep the beef tender and safe to eat.

Braised Cabbage With Beef Recipe For Rich Comfort Flavor

Name: Braised Cabbage With Beef
Prep time: 8 h
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2 medium heads of cabbage (about 20 cups chopped); 1.5 to 2 pounds of chuck roast or top sirloin beef; 2 to 3 tablespoons of steak seasoning; 1 diced onion; 2 large grated carrots; 1 cup well-drained sauerkraut; 3/4 of a 6-ounce can (4.5 ounces) of tomato paste; 1 1/2 tablespoons of brown sugar; 2 tablespoons of heavy cream; 1/2 cup of water; 1 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 teaspoon of pepper; 2 bay leaves; 6 tablespoons of olive oil

Description

🥩 This Braised Cabbage with Beef recipe delivers a rich combination of tender beef and flavorful cabbage for a hearty, comforting meal.
🍲 Ideal for family dinners, it combines wholesome ingredients packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors that satisfy and nourish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium heads of cabbage (about 20 cups chopped)

1.5 to 2 pounds of chuck roast or top sirloin beef

2 to 3 tablespoons of steak seasoning

1 diced onion

2 large grated carrots

1 cup well-drained sauerkraut

3/4 of a 6-ounce can (4.5 ounces) of tomato paste

1 1/2 tablespoons of brown sugar

2 tablespoons of heavy cream

1/2 cup of water

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

2 bay leaves

6 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

1-Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and sear the beef in batches until it’s browned, which takes a few minutes per batch.

2-Once browned, mix the beef with the cabbage mixture in a large bowl.

3-In the same pan, sauté the diced onion and grated carrots with 4 tablespoons of olive oil until they soften, about 5-7 minutes.

4-Add the tomato paste, heavy cream, water, salt, brown sugar, and pepper to the pan. Cook this briefly for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

5-Combine everything into a large pot or Dutch oven, toss in the bay leaves, cover, and cook over medium heat for 25 minutes. Then, lower the heat and continue for 45 minutes, stirring now and then.

Notes

🍽️ Marinate the beef overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
🫙 Add water during cooking if the pot starts to dry to maintain moisture.
🥖 Serve with crusty bread and pickles to complement the rich, savory flavors.

Prep Time: 4 hours (including marinating time)
Marinating Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Braising, Sautéing
Cuisine: Comfort Food, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 457 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Fat: 29 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 9 g
Protein: 27 g

Keywords: Braised Cabbage, Beef and Cabbage, Comfort Food, Hearty Dinner