This slow cooker cabbage casserole is one of the easiest recipes you can make. With four or five ingredients, it’s flexible—you can omit one or two if you prefer.
This recipe works equally well in a Crock-Pot or in the oven. Using jarred spaghetti sauce instead of plain tomatoes or tomato sauce saves time and adds seasoning, but you can always adjust spices to taste. The dish is versatile and reliable—easy enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough for company.
Ingredients for Cabbage Casserole (Crockpot or Oven)
- Cooked ground beef
- Onion, chopped
- Cabbage (half a head), chopped
- Jar of spaghetti sauce
- Water or beef broth (about 1 cup)
Use any spaghetti sauce you have on hand. Additional seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, or herbs are optional and can be added to taste.
Fresh, Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Beef?
You can use fresh cooked ground beef or rehydrated freeze-dried/dehydrated beef. If using fresh, brown and drain it first. If using freeze-dried, rehydrate according to package instructions (typically add hot water and let sit for a few minutes). If using dehydrated ground beef, cover with hot water and let it sit about 10 minutes before using.
Taste the Sauce
The final seasoning of the casserole depends on how seasoned your spaghetti sauce is. Taste after cooking and adjust with extra herbs or spices if needed, or add them at the start if you prefer a more seasoned result.
How to Make Cabbage Casserole
Prepare the cabbage and onion to your desired size. Some prefer finely chopped onions so you don’t bite into large pieces; others like larger slices. Chop to suit your preference.
Chop the cabbage.
Oven Option
You can sauté the onions in a tablespoon of butter and par-cook the cabbage in boiling water if desired, or skip that step and add the liquid later. If you par-cook the cabbage, bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. If you combine everything with broth and sauce in a baking dish, bake about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring halfway through. If you want to add rice, either cook it separately or add an extra can (14 oz) of beef broth and bake longer—about 30 more minutes—to cook the rice through.
Crock-Pot Method
Place half the chopped cabbage and half the chopped onion in the bottom of a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
Top with half the cooked ground beef.
Spoon half of the spaghetti sauce over the beef.
Repeat the layers once more: cabbage, onion, beef, and sauce.
Carefully pour 1 cup water or beef broth around the edges so you don’t disturb the sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
Stir well before serving.
Serve this on its own, over rice, or with your favorite side. It’s an easy, comforting meal that adapts to your pantry and taste.
Cabbage Casserole Crock Pot or Oven
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup water or 1 can beef broth
- Optional seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs to taste
Instructions
- In a 4–6 quart slow cooker, place half the cabbage. Top with half the onions, half the beef, and half the spaghetti sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Pour water or broth around the sides of the slow cooker to avoid disturbing the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Stir well before serving.
- Serve on its own or over rice.
Note: The casserole’s seasoning depends on the spaghetti sauce. Taste after cooking and add herbs or spices if desired.
Video
Notes
Oven directions:
Same ingredients as above. In a 9×13 pan, layer half the cabbage and onion, half the beef, and half the spaghetti sauce; repeat layers. Pour water or beef broth around the sides to avoid disturbing the sauce. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring halfway through. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Nutrition
You may also enjoy these casserole recipes:
Green Bean Casserole — Rich and creamy with the perfect crunch.
Cornbread Casserole — Simple and savory.
Ham, Egg and Cheese Casserole — Instant Pot or oven version.
Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole — Cheesy copycat.
“Keep your face always toward sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.”
~ Walt Whitman
Submitted by Valerie Manuel.