Cowboy Cabbage with Ground Beef and Tomatoes

Name: Cowboy Cabbage with Ground Beef and Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head cabbage, chopped; 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil

Author: Tessa

Published: July 1, 2025

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There’s something about a hearty, flavorful meal that just feels like home. For me, Cowboy Cabbage is that dish—simple, satisfying, and packed with so much flavor you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. It’s become a staple in our house, especially on busy weeknights when time is tight but we still want something comforting. I remember the first time I made it for my family—my kids were skeptical (cabbage? really?), but one bite in, and they were hooked. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, and trust me, you’ll want seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Cabbage

Let me tell you, this Cowboy Cabbage is a game-changer. It’s one of those dishes that checks all the boxes:

Quick & easy – From chopping to serving, it’s done in 30 minutes flat. Perfect for those nights when you’re exhausted but still want a real meal.
Budget-friendly – Cabbage and ground beef? Your wallet will thank you.
Packed with flavor – Don’t let the simple ingredients fool you. The combo of savory beef, sweet cabbage, and those garlicky onions? Absolute magic.
One-pan wonder – Less dishes means more time to actually enjoy your food (and your evening!).

It’s hearty, it’s satisfying, and it’ll make you feel like a cowboy (or cowgirl) who just rode in from a long day on the range. Yeehaw!

Cowboy Cabbage - detail 1

My Go-To Cowboy Cabbage Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty dish come together perfectly – I’ll bet most of these are already in your kitchen right now! The beauty of Cowboy Cabbage is in its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a special role:

1 head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups) – fresh is best, trust me
1 lb ground beef – 80/20 blend gives the best flavor
1 onion, diced – yellow or white, whatever you’ve got
2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh, not powdered, makes all the difference
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – with their juices for extra sauciness
1 tbsp olive oil – just enough to get things sizzling
Salt & pepper – to taste, but don’t be shy!

That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no complicated prep – just good, honest food that’ll fill you right up.

How to Make Cowboy Cabbage

Alright, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together so easily, but there are a few key steps to make sure it turns out just right. Follow along, and you’ll have a pot of comforting Cowboy Cabbage ready before you know it.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First, heat that olive oil in your biggest skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic – that sizzle is music to my ears! Cook them until the onions turn translucent and the garlic smells amazing (about 3-4 minutes). This builds the flavor base that makes the whole dish sing.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add your ground beef to the pan. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks until it’s nicely browned all over (5-6 minutes). If there’s a lot of grease, go ahead and drain some off – we want flavor, not grease! But leave just enough to keep things tasty.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Now the fun part! Add your chopped cabbage and that can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Give everything a good stir, then cover the pan and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll peek occasionally to stir and watch the cabbage transform from crisp to perfectly tender. When it’s done, the cabbage will have wilted down but still have a slight bite – overcooked cabbage is sad cabbage!

Cowboy Cabbage - detail 2

Cowboy Cabbage Tips for Success

After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to perfect Cowboy Cabbage every single time:

Go big or go home – Use your largest skillet! That cabbage needs room to wilt properly without crowding.
Keep it covered – That lid does more than trap heat – it creates the perfect steamy environment to soften the cabbage just right.
Salt in layers – A pinch when sautéing onions, another with the beef, and a final adjustment at the end makes all the difference.
Don’t overcook – Pull it off the heat when the cabbage is tender but still has some texture – mushy cabbage is no one’s friend!

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have Cowboy Cabbage that would make any ranch hand proud!

Crazy Good Cowboy Cabbage Variations

One of my favorite things about Cowboy Cabbage is how easily it adapts to whatever you’ve got on hand! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried (and loved):

Turkey twist – Swap ground beef for lean turkey when I’m feeling lighter.
Spice it up – Throw in diced bell peppers with the onions for extra crunch and color.
Smoky version – Add a dash of smoked paprika or some crumbled bacon – oh boy!
Veggie-packed – Toss in shredded carrots or zucchini for even more goodness.

The possibilities are endless – make it yours!

Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Cabbage

Now, let’s talk about how to serve this beauty! My absolute favorite way? A big ol’ hunk of warm cornbread on the side—it soaks up all those delicious juices perfectly. Buttered rice works wonders too, especially when I’m craving something extra hearty. For a lighter touch, just grab a fork and dig in straight from the skillet—no shame in my game!

Keeping Your Cowboy Cabbage Tasty for Days

Here’s the good news – this dish tastes even better the next day! I always make extra because the flavors just keep getting happier together in the fridge. Pop leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat gently on the stove over medium-low – just until warmed through. A splash of water or broth helps bring back that perfect saucy texture. Microwave works in a pinch too, but trust me, the stovetop keeps everything tasting fresh-made!

Cowboy Cabbage Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in this hearty dish (per serving): about 250 calories, 18g protein, and 4g fiber – not too shabby! Remember, these numbers can change depending on your exact ingredients, especially if you tweak the recipe like we talked about earlier.

Cowboy Cabbage FAQs

Can I freeze Cowboy Cabbage? Absolutely! It freezes like a dream. Just cool it completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. When the craving hits, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. The cabbage keeps its texture surprisingly well!

Is this keto-friendly? You bet! With just 15g net carbs per serving, it fits nicely into low-carb diets. For even fewer carbs, you could reduce the onion slightly – but honestly, it’s pretty perfect as-is.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage? I don’t recommend it, friend. Those bagged shreds are too fine and dry. Freshly chopped cabbage gives the right texture and releases just enough moisture as it cooks. Trust me – the extra few minutes of chopping are worth it!

Rate This Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Did you give this recipe a whirl? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below and let me know what you think – your feedback makes my day.