Cabbage Recipes That Turn a Simple Head Into Real Dinners

Cabbage doesn’t always get credit as a main-dish ingredient, but it can easily carry dinner on its own. With the right pairings and cooking methods, it turns into something hearty and filling.

These cabbage dinners are built to feel complete, not like a side pretending to be a meal. Think protein, smart seasonings, and textures that keep you full well past the table.

Whether roasted, braised, or tucked into a skillet, cabbage brings substance without feeling heavy. It’s budget-friendly, flexible, and surprisingly reliable when you want a no-nonsense dinner.

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

This pork and cabbage stir fry is a fast, weeknight-friendly meal that balances savory meat with tender-crisp cabbage. It cooks in one pan, making cleanup simple and stress-free. Serve it over rice or on its own for a lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Cabbage Apple Salad

Cabbage apple salad brings together crisp cabbage and sweet-tart apples for a fresh contrast. It works well as a side dish for heavier mains or grilled foods. The simple dressing keeps the flavors clean and bright.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Smothered Cabbage

Smothered cabbage is slow-cooked until soft and full of flavor. It’s a comforting dish that pairs nicely with pork, chicken, or cornbread. This recipe is budget-friendly and uses everyday ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Cabbage

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground beef and cabbage stir fry is hearty, quick, and filling. The beef adds richness while the cabbage absorbs all the savory flavors. It’s a great low-effort dinner when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

This cheesy cabbage beef casserole is warm, filling, and easy to assemble. Layers of beef, cabbage, and cheese make it a reliable family-style meal. It reheats well, making it good for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Golumpki stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort dish made with cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling. They’re simmered gently so the flavors blend well together. This recipe is often served for special family meals.
Get the Recipe: Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef and cabbage skillet is a one-pan recipe that’s both practical and filling. It comes together quickly with minimal prep. This dish works well for meal prep or busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Cabbage Au Gratin

Cabbage au gratin is baked until tender with a creamy sauce and melted cheese. It’s a great alternative to traditional potato-based sides. This dish pairs well with roasted meats or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Au Gratin

Authentic Mexican Cabbage Slaw Recipe

This Mexican cabbage slaw is light, crunchy, and full of contrast. It’s commonly served with tacos, grilled meats, or seafood. The simple ingredients keep it refreshing and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Mexican Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ukrainian holubtsi are cabbage rolls filled with a seasoned mixture and cooked in sauce. They’re a traditional dish often made for gatherings and holidays. Each roll is filling and comforting without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon is rich, smoky, and straightforward to prepare. The bacon adds depth while the cabbage softens and caramelizes slightly. This dish works well as a side or a main with bread.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Roasted Cabbage with Cheese Sauce

Roasted cabbage with cheese sauce combines crisp edges with a smooth, savory topping. Roasting brings out natural sweetness in the cabbage. It’s an easy oven-based side dish that feels filling.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage with Cheese Sauce

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage is a simple, hearty combination that’s been popular for generations. It’s easy to cook in one pan or pot. This dish is filling without needing many ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

Quick cabbage apple slaw is crisp, light, and easy to prepare. It’s a good choice when you need a fast side dish. The apple adds a mild sweetness that balances the cabbage.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

Sauteed cabbage with peppers

Sauteed cabbage with peppers is colorful and straightforward. The peppers add mild sweetness and texture. This dish works well as a side or tucked into wraps and bowls.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed cabbage with peppers

Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks are thick slices baked until tender with crisp edges. They’re easy to season and customize. This recipe works well as a side or a simple meat-free main.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Easy Braised Cabbage

Easy braised cabbage is cooked slowly until soft and flavorful. It’s a good make-ahead dish that reheats well. This recipe pairs nicely with roasted or pan-seared proteins.
Get the Recipe: Easy Braised Cabbage

Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

Fried cabbage and sausage skillet is a filling, one-pan meal. The sausage adds richness while the cabbage absorbs flavor as it cooks. It’s practical for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls

Vegetarian cabbage rolls use hearty fillings wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. They’re filling without relying on meat. This dish works well for plant-based meals or mixed menus.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Chicken and cabbage soup with ginger is light and comforting. The ginger adds warmth without overpowering the dish. It’s a good option for cooler days or simple lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup

Crock pot cabbage roll soup delivers the flavors of cabbage rolls with less prep. Everything cooks together slowly for a well-blended result. It’s great for hands-off cooking days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup

Quick and Simple Air Fryer Cabbage

Air fryer cabbage cooks quickly with lightly crisp edges. It’s an easy way to prepare cabbage without turning on the oven. This recipe works well as a fast side dish.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Simple Air Fryer Cabbage

Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo

Cabbage and sausage Alfredo blends creamy sauce with savory sausage and tender cabbage. It’s rich and filling without needing pasta. This dish works well for low-carb meals.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo

White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

White bean apple cabbage slaw adds protein and texture to a classic slaw base. The beans make it more filling than typical slaws. It works well as a side or light lunch option.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw