Cabbage is affordable, easy to find, and surprisingly versatile, but it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. A lot of people stick to basic slaws or boiled versions, but there are way better ways to use it. It holds up well in soups, adds crunch to stir-fries, and even works on the grill. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or something more slow-cooked and hearty, cabbage can handle it. These recipes show just how many ways you can turn a simple head of cabbage into something great.
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
This hearty cabbage soup comes together fast in the Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy nights. The cabbage softens while soaking up a tomato-rich broth, and simple seasonings bring it all together. It’s warm, filling, and stretches ingredients without feeling like you’re eating on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage
Cabbage steaks in the air fryer get crispy on the outside while staying tender in the middle. Garlic, onion, and a little salt keep it simple, while the air fryer does all the work. This is a quick, easy way to turn cabbage into something worth looking forward to.
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Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground pork and cabbage cook up fast in a pan with mushrooms and a rich, savory sauce. The cabbage softens while keeping some crunch, making it a great mix of textures. A one-pan dinner that proves cabbage belongs in more than just slaw.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
This meal pulls cabbage into a skillet dinner with ground beef, spices, and a light sauce that keeps everything balanced. It’s loaded with texture, easy to make, and perfect when you need dinner on the table without a ton of prep.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Red Cabbage Slaw
Crunchy and fresh, this red cabbage slaw skips the heavy mayo and lets the ingredients shine. Apples and raisins add just the right amount of sweetness, while a honey Dijon dressing ties it all together. A great side dish for grilled meats, tacos, or anything that needs a crisp contrast.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Slaw
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
A full meal, all on one sheet pan. Pork chops, cabbage, potatoes, and apples roast together, creating a perfect balance of flavors without the mess of multiple dishes. The high heat caramelizes everything just enough to keep it interesting.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Fermented Vegetables
Cabbage is great for fermenting, and this method makes it easy to do at home. With just salt, water, and time, you get crunchy, tangy cabbage that works as a side, sandwich topping, or even a quick snack straight from the jar.
Get the Recipe: Fermented Vegetables
Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad
Spiralized kohlrabi and shredded red cabbage make a crisp base for this Thai-inspired salad. Red pepper, carrots, radishes, and green onion add crunch and color, while a light vinaigrette keeps it fresh. It’s a great way to turn raw cabbage into something bold and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad
Pad Thai Salad
A lighter take on Pad Thai, swapping out noodles for shredded cabbage while keeping all the great flavors. The crunch from the cabbage makes the dish feel just as satisfying, and it holds up well for meal prep. A great way to keep things fresh without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pad Thai Salad
Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup
This soup is packed with flavor thanks to hearty Italian sausage, tender cabbage, and a mix of tomatoes and spices. The cabbage soaks up the broth, making every bite rich and full of depth. Perfect for colder nights or when you need something filling without a ton of work.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup
Traeger Cabbage Rolls
Classic cabbage rolls get a smoky boost from the Traeger, taking this traditional dish to another level. Stuffed with seasoned meat and rice, then cooked low and slow, these rolls turn simple ingredients into something bold and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Cabbage Rolls
Traeger Smoked Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned beef and cabbage get an upgrade with smoky depth from the Traeger. The slow cook locks in moisture, making the beef fork-tender while the cabbage absorbs all the flavor. A great way to make this classic dish stand out.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Corned Beef and Cabbage
Easy Instant Pot Cabbage, Beef, and Rice Soup
This Instant Pot soup takes cabbage, beef, and rice and turns them into a fast, hearty meal. The beef adds richness, the rice thickens it up, and the cabbage blends everything together. Great for a no-fuss dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Cabbage, Beef, and Rice Soup
Beef Pan-Fried Noodles with Garlic and Cabbage
Noodles, beef, and shredded cabbage cook together in a pan with garlic and a sweet soy-based sauce. The high heat creates crispy edges on the noodles while the cabbage softens just enough to add contrast. A fast, one-pan meal that’s packed with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pan-Fried Noodles with Garlic and Cabbage
Traeger Parmesan Cabbage Steaks
Thick slices of cabbage hit the grill, getting crispy on the edges while staying tender inside. A sprinkle of Parmesan melts into the cracks, creating a rich, savory bite. A simple but great side dish that works with just about any meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Parmesan Cabbage Steaks
Smoked Cabbage
Smoking cabbage takes it from basic to bold, giving it deep flavor and caramelized edges. The low, slow cook makes it tender without turning it mushy. A great side dish for BBQ or anything that needs a little extra depth.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cabbage
Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)
Traditional Ukrainian cabbage rolls filled with a simple but rich mixture of rice and meat. Cooked until tender and packed with flavor, these rolls are a classic for a reason. A great way to turn cabbage into something hearty and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Everything you love about cabbage rolls, but without the extra steps. Cabbage, ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce cook together in one pot, cutting down on prep while keeping all the great flavors. A perfect shortcut when you want cabbage rolls without the work.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Easy Slow Cooker Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Cabbage, kielbasa, and potatoes cook low and slow until everything is tender and packed with flavor. A no-effort, one-pot meal that’s great for cold nights or when you need something simple but filling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Shrimp And Cabbage Stir Fry
Shrimp, cabbage, and a quick sauce come together in a pan in under 20 minutes. The cabbage stays crisp, the shrimp cook fast, and the sauce ties it all together. A great go-to when you need a fast but flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp And Cabbage Stir Fry
Irish Tacos with Potatoes, Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Onions
Corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes wrapped in a tortilla bring a fresh spin to classic Irish flavors. A great way to use up leftovers or just make something different for St. Patrick’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Irish Tacos with Potatoes, Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Onions
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
