21 Cabbage Recipes That’ll Make You Forget It’s Cheap Filler

Cabbage has a reputation for being cheap filler, but it deserves a lot more credit. This sturdy vegetable can handle bold spices, stand up to long cooking, and add texture to quick meals. It works in soups, stir fries, casseroles, and even pasta without losing its character. These recipes show how cabbage can carry flavor and bring substance to the table without costing much.

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes cook together in a savory broth until the vegetables are tender and the flavors deepen. The Instant Pot concentrates the flavor, creating a rich, hearty soup with a natural sweetness from the cabbage and a balanced tomato base.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Shredded cabbage, sliced mushrooms, and ground pork are quickly cooked with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until the vegetables soften and the meat is browned. The cabbage stays slightly crisp while absorbing the aromatic flavors, giving the dish both texture and depth.
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Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cooks with garlic, ginger, and thinly sliced cabbage in a light soy-based sauce until the beef is browned and the cabbage is tender. The cabbage absorbs the aromatics and brings a pleasant crunch to every bite.
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Dry Cabbage and Potato Curry

Chopped cabbage and cubed potatoes simmer with onions, garlic, and a fragrant mix of Indian spices until each piece is coated and tender. The slow cooking draws out earthy flavors and lets the potatoes soak up the spices, creating a hearty vegetable curry.
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Japanese-style Soy Milk Soup with Bacon and Cabbage

Bacon, cabbage, and onions simmer in a soy milk broth until the vegetables soften and the flavors meld. The soy milk creates a creamy base while the bacon adds a mild smokiness, giving the soup a layered taste and silky texture.
Get the Recipe: Japanese-style Soy Milk Soup with Bacon and Cabbage

Frittata Cavolo

Finely shredded cabbage is cooked briefly with olive oil and onions before being mixed with beaten eggs and cheese. The mixture bakes until the eggs set and the top is lightly browned, creating a frittata with a delicate sweetness and tender texture.
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Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Ground beef, rice, and shredded cabbage simmer with tomatoes, onions, and herbs until the ingredients become tender and the broth thickens. The long simmer infuses the soup with the rich flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage while keeping everything in one pot.
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Best Baked Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Corned beef brisket, cabbage wedges, potatoes, and leeks roast together until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are infused with the juices. The cabbage caramelizes slightly in the oven, adding depth and a gentle sweetness to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Best Baked Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Korean Kimchi Pizza

A pizza crust is topped with kimchi, cabbage, mozzarella, and a drizzle of gochujang sauce, then baked until crisp. The fermented kimchi adds tang and spice while the melted cheese and chewy crust provide balance and texture.
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Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage

Thick slices of cabbage are brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with garlic and onion powder, and cooked in the air fryer until the edges turn crisp and the centers soften. The heat draws out a subtle sweetness while keeping the cabbage flavorful.
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Sweet and Sour Cabbage Stir Fry with Pork

Ground pork and shredded cabbage cook together with soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar until the flavors meld into a bright sweet and sour glaze. The cabbage softens while holding its structure, making every bite balanced and hearty.
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Ground Beef Stir Fry With Rainbow Veggies

Ground beef, cabbage, and colorful bell peppers stir fry with ginger and garlic until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. A light soy-based sauce coats everything, letting the cabbage absorb the seasonings while adding crunch.
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Smoked Sausage and Fried Cabbage

Sliced smoked sausage cooks with cabbage, onions, and a touch of garlic until the sausage is browned and the cabbage is tender. The sausage releases savory juices that infuse the cabbage with deep flavor, making the dish rich and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sausage and Fried Cabbage

Ground Pork Stir Fry with Cabbage

Ground pork and thinly sliced cabbage cook quickly with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The cabbage takes on the savory flavors and adds gentle sweetness and texture to the dish.
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Easy Ginger Bok Choy Noodle Soup With Pork

A light broth seasoned with ginger and garlic holds noodles, tender pork, bok choy, and shredded cabbage. The cabbage softens just enough to mingle with the fragrant broth, bringing a subtle earthy note to the soup.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ginger Bok Choy Noodle Soup With Pork

Cabbage Udon Stir Fry

Thick udon noodles stir fry with sliced cabbage, carrots, and scallions in a soy and sesame sauce. The cabbage wilts slightly but keeps a gentle bite, soaking up the sauce and adding texture to the noodles.
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Cabbage Roll Casserole

Layers of cabbage, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese bake together until the cabbage is tender and the sauce thickens. Each serving has the hearty flavor of classic cabbage rolls in a simple layered form.
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Sausage and Cabbage Pasta

Sautéed sausage combines with cabbage, garlic, and pasta in a light tomato and olive oil sauce. The cabbage softens as it cooks, giving the dish a mild sweetness that pairs well with the savory sausage.
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Irish Tacos with Potatoes, Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Onions

Soft tortillas are filled with diced potatoes, shredded corned beef, sautéed onions, and lightly cooked cabbage. The cabbage adds crunch and balances the richness of the meat and potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Irish Tacos with Potatoes, Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Onions

Cabbage Vegetable Soup

Chopped cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and celery simmer in a tomato broth until the vegetables are tender. The cabbage enriches the broth with natural sweetness, creating a hearty vegetable soup.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Vegetable Soup

Bratwurst and Sauerkraut

Bratwurst sausages cook with sauerkraut, onions, and sliced apples until the flavors meld. The cabbage-based sauerkraut provides tang that complements the savory sausages and sweet apples.
Get the Recipe: Bratwurst and Sauerkraut