Cabbage doesn’t get nearly enough credit for how versatile, affordable, and nutritious it is. This underrated veggie can be transformed into a variety of satisfying, family-friendly meals without stretching your budget. Here are over 11 easy dinner ideas to help you turn one head of cabbage into one or two delicious meals.
Right after St. Patrick’s Day, I had one of those “why don’t I make this more often?” moments after a day of corned beef and cabbage. It’s one of the most budget-friendly vegetables out there, and it instantly makes meals feel more filling and satisfying. Plus, it adds a boost of fiber, vitamins, and crunch that so many dinners are missing.
Cabbage is a great source of fiber, which is amazing for digestion and fullness – but if you’re not used to eating a lot of fiber, it can help to gradually increase your intake and stay well hydrated to avoid discomfort.
Why We Love Cabbage
What to Make with Cabbage
Below you will find a variety of different recipes using cabbage don’t include corned beef (even though that is definitely a favorite of mine).
Make a cabbage salad, add cabbage to your slaw for tacos, put it in a noodle bowl with peanut sauce, stir fry it into fried rice, add it to soups… the possibilities are endless.
Now, there are different types of cabbage but usually are interchangeable in recipes for the most part.
1. Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage and Sausage (Haute and Healthy Living)
Cabbage is like a blank slate – so it sops up whatever spices or sauces you use with it.
This is an easy one pot meal that delivers a lot of flavor but with minimal effort! A slow cooker sausage and cabbage dish that cooks all day long with just a few simple ingredients.
Serve it with white rice, quinoa, crusty bread, dinner rolls or a salad.
2. Crunchy & Tangy Apple Cabbage Slaw with White Beans (Fannetastic Food)
A tangy apple cabbage slaw that could be a side dish or a light lunch option. You’ve got crunch from the cabbage, tang from the vinegar, and a little sweetness (plus, more crunch) from the diced apples.
Pair it with chicken for a well-balanced dinner (very minimal prep). Or, it’s a perfect side for a summer BBQ! This recipe specifically uses red cabbage.
3. Ground Beef and Cabbage (Get Inspired Everyday!)
A ground beef and cabbage dish inspired by the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls. Total cook time is about 30 minutes. It’s pretty simple yet so satisfying.
Serve with white rice or brown rice and even add some sauerkraut for more gut-friendly benefits!
4. Cabbage Soup with Protein (Summer Yule)
A more filling take on the cabbage soup diet – a meal that you can eat a large volume of but with few calories! This is a nutrient-packed, high protein cabbage soup with lean ground beef.
This is an excellent recipe that helps you eat more veggies – whether your goal is to be in a calorie deficit or not. Even more, this recipe specifically uses 1/2 head of cabbage so you can save the other half for another one of these recipes!
5. Cabbage Steak (Chef Ani)
Cabbage steaks are made by slicing a head of cabbage into rounds and roasting them in the oven after seasoning. The result is a crispy texture with caramelization on the outside but the insides are juicy and tender.
A lot of vegans will eat this dish as a main dish alternative to meat, however, you could simply pair these with meat as well. They’re very easy to make, too! Top them with a creamy dressing for extra flavor.
If there is one recipe on this list that I really need to try, it’s this one!
6. Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage Casserole (Kalyn’s Kitchen)
This deconstructed stuffed cabbage casserole is an easy, one-pan take on the classic, made with ground beef, diced tomatoes, cabbage, and cauliflower rice. It’s a lower-carb option that still feels hearty and satisfying, or you can serve it over rice if you prefer. Perfect for a simple, veggie-packed dinner that doesn’t require much prep.
7. Asian Chicken and Rice Bowls
Meal prep friendly Asian-inspired chicken and rice bowls with fresh cucumbers and shredded carrots. Thinly shredded cabbage would work perfectly here – added to the carrots, along with some vinegar and salt for flavor. It will soften and pair perfectly with the rest of the ingredients in this dish.
This is a good option for a no heat work lunch. It’s high in both protein and fiber, too! I like use already cooked rice and rotisserie chicken so it comes together quickly.
8. Crunchy Asian Salad (PCOS Nutritionist Alyssa)
This crunchy Asian-inspired salad is a fresh, flavorful way to use cabbage, with crisp veggies, edamame, and sweet mandarin oranges tossed in a bold sesame ginger dressing.
The original recipe uses a convenient coleslaw mix, but you can easily swap in thinly shredded cabbage to make the most of a whole head. It’s a light yet satisfying option that works well as a side dish, easy lunch, or meal prep recipe since it holds up nicely in the fridge.
9. Egg Roll in a Bowl (The Oregon Dietitian)
Most of us are familiar with egg roll in a bowl – a deconstructed version of the classic takeout favorite that always hits the spot. This version typically uses a convenient coleslaw mix, but you can easily swap in a shredded head of cabbage to keep it budget-friendly.
It’s a veggie-packed, high volume meal that’s especially delicious with ground turkey, making it a simple, satisfying option for busy weeknights.
10. Dutch Oven Easy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Simple and Fraiche)
These stuffed cabbage rolls are one of those classic comfort meals that feel a little fancy but are actually pretty simple to make. Cabbage leaves are filled with a seasoned beef and rice mixture, then baked in a rich tomato sauce until tender and flavorful.
It’s a hearty, satisfying way to use up a whole head of cabbage – and a great option when you want something a little more cozy and filling.
11. Shrimp and cabbage Stir-Fry (Spoons of Flavor)
This shrimp and cabbage stir-fry is a quick, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes!
Tender shrimp are tossed with crisp cabbage and coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
It’s a light but satisfying option that’s high in protein and a great way to turn a simple head of cabbage into an easy, weeknight meal. A great clean out your fridge with whatever you have to use up option, too!
More Unique Ideas:
- Cabbage Salad (Small Town Woman)
- Ground Beef Taco Cabbage Skillet (Creations by Cara)
- Cauliflower Tacos with Cabbage Slaw (Bakerita)
- Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet (The Whole Cook)
- Thai Peanut Noodle Salad (Vanilla and Bean)
- Cabbage Lasagna (The Little Pine)
- Lemony Cabbage Shawarma (Food 52)
I hope this list of delicious recipes gave you some inspiration for new dinners and helps you save some money this year! Below are some other budget-friendly resources you can check out. Feel free to subscribe to my newsletter to get a FREE 33-page e-book and biweekly updates.