If You Have a Head of Cabbage, Make One of These 19 Cozy Dinners Tonight (They Taste Way Better Than They Should)

A whole head of cabbage often costs just a few dollars, and it can feed a family of four. That is why the humble cabbage dinner is having a big moment right now. Cooked low and slow, cabbage turns sweet, buttery and golden, and it soaks up every bit of flavor from sausage, bacon, garlic or cheese. These are mains, not side salads: skillets, soups, casseroles and comfort bowls that turn one cheap vegetable into something your family will ask for again. Ready to look at cabbage in a whole new way..

The Cabbage and Egg Skillet That Became a Viral Cabbage Dinner

This is the dish that started the cabbage craze online, with videos claiming it tastes better than meat. Shredded cabbage cooks in butter until golden and sweet, then eggs go right on top and set in the steam. It costs very little, it is on the table in about 20 minutes, and it is just as good for breakfast as it is for dinner. Add a slice of crusty bread and you are done.

You will need: 1/2 head green cabbage (thinly sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 3 tbsp butter or olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 4 eggs, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp paprika, chopped parsley, shredded cheese (optional).

How to make it: 1. Melt the butter in a large skillet and cook the onion 3 minutes. 2. Add the cabbage, salt and pepper and cook 12 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until golden and soft. 3. Stir in the garlic and paprika. 4. Make 4 wells, crack in the eggs, cover and cook 4 to 5 minutes until the whites set. 5. Top with parsley and cheese.

Dirty Cabbage With Smoked Sausage (The Viral Cabbage Dinner)

Think dirty rice, but made with cabbage. Browned smoked sausage, ground beef, the Cajun trinity of onion, celery and bell pepper, and plenty of spice cook down with chopped cabbage into one big, savory skillet. Searches for this recipe jumped this fall, and once you taste it, you will see why. Serve it over rice or eat it straight from the bowl. How spicy do you like it: mild, medium or hot?

You will need: 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced), 1/2 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 celery ribs, 1 green bell pepper, 3 cloves garlic, 1 head cabbage (chopped), 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 cup chicken broth, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Brown the sausage, then the beef, in a large pot. 2. Add the onion, celery and pepper and cook 5 minutes. 3. Add the garlic, cabbage, seasoning and broth. 4. Cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes, stirring, until the cabbage is tender. 5. Top with green onions.

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

All the flavor of stuffed cabbage rolls without the rolling. Ground beef, rice, tomato sauce and chopped cabbage bake together in one dish under a blanket of cheese. It is the kind of meal Grandma made on Sundays, simplified for a busy weeknight. A slow cooker version of this casserole has been one of the fastest rising cabbage searches lately. Do you remember who made cabbage rolls in your family?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 small head cabbage (chopped), 1 cup cooked rice, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup shredded mozzarella.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef with the onion and garlic. 2. Stir in the rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, paprika and salt. 3. Layer half the cabbage in a greased 9×13 dish, add half the beef, then repeat. 4. Cover and bake at 350 F for 1 hour. 5. Top with cheese and bake 10 minutes uncovered.

Parmesan Cabbage Soup

This cozy soup became one of the most popular recipes on a famous cooking site this fall, with thousands of five star ratings. The secret is a Parmesan rind simmered in the broth, which makes it taste rich and savory, like it cooked all day. Soft wedges of cabbage, potatoes and white beans make it hearty enough for dinner. Have you ever saved a Parmesan rind for soup? Now you have a reason.

You will need: 3 tbsp butter, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 head cabbage (chopped), 2 Yukon Gold potatoes (cubed), 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 Parmesan rind plus grated Parmesan, 1 can white beans (drained), 1 bay leaf, salt, pepper, lemon.

How to make it: 1. Melt the butter and cook the onion 5 minutes, then add the garlic. 2. Add the cabbage and cook until wilted. 3. Add the potatoes, broth, rind and bay leaf and simmer 25 minutes. 4. Stir in the beans and heat through. 5. Remove the rind, add a squeeze of lemon and top with grated Parmesan.

Cabbage and Kielbasa Skillet, a 25 Minute Cabbage Dinner

Smoky kielbasa and buttery cabbage are a match made in heaven, and this skillet is ready in about 25 minutes. A splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of brown sugar give it a sweet and tangy finish. It is a Midwest favorite for a reason, and leftovers are even better the next day. It is an easy cabbage dinner for busy weeknights. Do you eat yours with mustard on the side?

You will need: 1 lb kielbasa (sliced), 2 tbsp butter, 1 onion (sliced), 1 head cabbage (chopped), 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional), salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Brown the kielbasa in a large skillet and set aside. 2. Add the butter and onion and cook 3 minutes. 3. Add the cabbage and cook 10 to 12 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in the garlic, vinegar, sugar and caraway. 5. Return the kielbasa and heat through.

Haluski: Buttery Cabbage and Noodles

Haluski came to Pennsylvania and Ohio with Eastern European families, and it is still a church festival favorite. It is just egg noodles, fried cabbage, onions and a lot of butter, but it tastes like a warm hug. Some families add bacon or kielbasa. Poll time: (A) plain and buttery, (B) with bacon, (C) with kielbasa, or (D) never had it but now I want it?

You will need: 12 oz wide egg noodles, 1/2 cup butter, 2 onions (sliced), 1 head cabbage (chopped), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 6 slices bacon (optional).

How to make it: 1. Cook the noodles and drain. 2. If using bacon, cook it, crumble it and keep the drippings. 3. Melt the butter in a big skillet and cook the onions 8 minutes until golden. 4. Add the cabbage, salt and pepper and cook 15 minutes until soft and browned. 5. Toss with the noodles and bacon.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

All the flavor of an egg roll with none of the frying. Ground pork, shredded cabbage and carrots cook fast in a hot pan with ginger, garlic and soy sauce. It is low carb, ready in 20 minutes and a great way to use up half a head of cabbage. Top it with sriracha mayo and crunchy wonton strips if you like. It might be the fastest cabbage dinner on this list. Would your family eat this over rice or just as it is?

You will need: 1 lb ground pork or turkey, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 6 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 green onions, sesame seeds.

How to make it: 1. Brown the pork in the sesame oil and drain if needed. 2. Add the garlic and ginger for 1 minute. 3. Add the cabbage and carrots and cook 5 minutes until just tender. 4. Stir in the soy sauce and vinegar. 5. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Cabbage Dinner

When you have a pound of ground beef, a can of tomatoes and a head of cabbage, you have dinner. This one pan meal is hearty, cheap and kid friendly, a little like a lazy goulash. Sprinkle cheddar on top and let it melt under the lid. It is perfect for those nights when you open the fridge and think, what on earth can I make?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 head cabbage (chopped), 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, 1 cup shredded cheddar.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef and onion in a large skillet and drain. 2. Add the garlic, cabbage, tomatoes and seasonings. 3. Cover and simmer 15 minutes until the cabbage is tender. 4. Top with cheddar, cover 2 minutes to melt and serve.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup, a Set and Forget Cabbage Dinner

This soup tastes just like stuffed cabbage rolls, but it simmers in the slow cooker while you go about your day. Ground beef, rice, tomatoes and cabbage in a sweet and sour broth. Add the rice near the end so it stays tender. It freezes beautifully too, so make a double batch. Are you a soup for dinner person, or does soup need a sandwich on the side?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef (browned), 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 head cabbage (chopped), 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 6 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp paprika, 3/4 cup long grain rice, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Add everything except the rice to the slow cooker. 2. Cook on low 6 to 7 hours. 3. Stir in the rice and cook on high 30 to 40 minutes more until tender. 4. Taste and adjust the salt, sugar and vinegar.

Colcannon With Ham

Colcannon is the Irish way of making mashed potatoes even better, with buttery cabbage and green onions folded in. Add chunks of ham and it becomes a full dinner that feels like a cozy pub meal. Make a well in the middle of each serving and drop in a pat of butter, just like they do in Ireland. Do you have any Irish family recipes at home?

You will need: 2 1/2 lb potatoes (peeled and cubed), 1/2 cup butter (divided), 4 cups shredded cabbage, 4 green onions (sliced), 1 cup warm milk, 2 cups diced cooked ham, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Boil the potatoes until tender and drain. 2. Meanwhile, cook the cabbage in 3 tbsp butter 6 minutes, add the green onions and the ham and warm through. 3. Mash the potatoes with the milk and the rest of the butter. 4. Fold in the cabbage and ham, season and serve with extra butter on top.

Okonomiyaki: Japanese Cabbage Pancakes

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake from Japan that is mostly cabbage, held together with a simple batter. It is fried until crisp and topped with a sweet and tangy sauce, mayo and green onions. The name roughly means “grilled as you like it,” so feel free to add shrimp, bacon or leftover chicken. Would you try a cabbage pancake for dinner?

You will need: 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup water or dashi, 2 eggs, 1/2 tsp salt, 4 cups finely shredded cabbage, 3 green onions, 4 strips bacon or 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, oil. Sauce: 3 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp Worcestershire, 1 tbsp honey, plus mayo.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the flour, water, eggs and salt. 2. Fold in the cabbage and green onions. 3. Heat oil in a skillet, spread in half the batter and lay bacon on top. 4. Cook 5 minutes per side over medium heat until golden. 5. Stir the sauce together and drizzle over with mayo.

Corned Beef and Cabbage, the Classic Cabbage Dinner

It is the classic Irish American cabbage dinner, and it is not just for St. Patrick’s Day. The corned beef simmers until tender, then the cabbage, carrots and potatoes cook right in that flavorful broth. Slice the beef against the grain and serve it with grainy mustard. Bonus: the leftovers make the best Reuben sandwiches. Do you make this only in March or all year long?

You will need: 3 to 4 lb corned beef brisket with spice packet, 1 onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 1/2 lb small potatoes, 4 carrots (chunks), 1 head cabbage (cut in 8 wedges), grainy mustard.

How to make it: 1. Put the brisket, spice packet, onion and garlic in a large pot and cover with water. 2. Simmer covered 3 hours until tender. 3. Add the potatoes and carrots for 15 minutes, then the cabbage for 15 minutes more. 4. Slice the beef against the grain and serve with the vegetables and mustard.

Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are found in kitchens from Poland and Ukraine to Hungary and the Middle East, and every family thinks theirs is the best. Tender leaves are wrapped around a meat and rice filling and baked in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce. They take some time, but they freeze well, so it is worth making a big batch. Does your family call them golabki, holubtsi or just cabbage rolls?

You will need: 1 large head cabbage, 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 onion (grated), 1 egg, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper. Sauce: 1 can (28 oz) tomato sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice.

How to make it: 1. Core the cabbage and boil it 5 minutes, peeling off the soft leaves. 2. Mix the meats, rice, onion, egg, salt and pepper. 3. Roll about 1/3 cup filling in each leaf, tucking in the sides. 4. Set seam side down in a baking dish and cover with the sauce. 5. Cover and bake at 350 F for 1 1/2 hours.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Thick slices of cabbage roast in a hot oven until the edges are crispy and the middle is tender and sweet. Brushed with garlic butter and topped with Parmesan, they are a showstopper meatless main. Add a fried egg or a scoop of white beans to make it more filling. Would you call a cabbage steak a real steak? Let the debate begin.

You will need: 1 head green cabbage (cut in 1 inch slices), 4 tbsp olive oil or melted butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425 F and lay the cabbage slices on a lined sheet pan. 2. Mix the oil, garlic, salt, pepper and paprika and brush on both sides. 3. Roast 25 minutes, flip and roast 10 to 15 minutes more until the edges are crisp. 4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.

Cabbage Fried Rice

Shredded cabbage stretches a pan of fried rice and adds a nice crunch. This is a great fridge clean out dinner: leftover rice, a few eggs, some frozen peas and carrots, and any cooked chicken, ham or shrimp you have. It comes together in 15 minutes, faster than takeout. What is your must have add in for fried rice?

You will need: 3 cups cold cooked rice, 3 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 2 eggs, 1 cup diced cooked chicken or ham, 2 tbsp oil, 2 cloves garlic, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. 2. Stir fry the cabbage and garlic 3 minutes. 3. Add the peas and carrots and the chicken for 2 minutes. 4. Push aside, scramble the eggs, then add the rice. 5. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil and top with green onions.

Bubble and Squeak

This British favorite got its funny name from the sounds it makes in the pan. It was made to use up leftover potatoes and cabbage, pressed into a big crispy cake. Serve it with sausages or a fried egg on top for a cheap and filling supper. It is the perfect use for leftover mashed potatoes after a holiday meal. Have you ever eaten bubble and squeak?

You will need: 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 2 cups cooked chopped cabbage, 1 onion (finely chopped), 3 tbsp butter, salt and pepper, fried eggs or sausages to serve.

How to make it: 1. Cook the onion in 1 tbsp butter until soft. 2. Mix with the potatoes, cabbage, salt and pepper. 3. Melt the rest of the butter in a skillet and press the mixture in. 4. Cook 6 to 8 minutes until a crust forms, flip in sections and brown the other side. 5. Serve with eggs or sausages.

Polish Hunter’s Stew (Bigos)

Bigos is Poland’s famous hunter’s stew, a rich mix of fresh cabbage, sauerkraut, smoked sausage, pork and mushrooms that simmers for hours. Polish families say it tastes even better on the second or third day, so it is perfect to make ahead. It is smoky, tangy and deeply warming on a cold night. It is a cabbage dinner worth planning ahead for. Is there a stew in your family that gets better with time?

You will need: 1 lb pork shoulder (cubed), 1 lb kielbasa (sliced), 4 slices bacon, 1 onion, 8 oz mushrooms, 1 lb sauerkraut (rinsed), 1/2 head cabbage (shredded), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp caraway, 4 prunes (chopped, optional).

How to make it: 1. Cook the bacon, then brown the pork in the drippings. 2. Add the onion, mushrooms and kielbasa for 5 minutes. 3. Add the sauerkraut, cabbage, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, caraway and prunes. 4. Cover and simmer gently 2 hours, stirring now and then. 5. Rest overnight if you can and reheat to serve.

Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna

Swap the noodles for tender cabbage leaves and you get a lighter lasagna that still has all the good stuff: a meaty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta and bubbling mozzarella. Blanching the leaves first helps them layer like pasta. It is a smart way to fit more vegetables into a family favorite. Would your family notice the noodles are missing?

You will need: 1 head cabbage (leaves separated and blanched), 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, 3 cups marinara, 15 oz ricotta, 1 egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 tsp Italian seasoning.

How to make it: 1. Brown the meat and stir in the marinara. 2. Mix the ricotta, egg, Parmesan and seasoning. 3. In a 9×13 dish, layer sauce, cabbage leaves, ricotta and mozzarella, and repeat. 4. Finish with sauce and mozzarella. 5. Bake at 375 F for 40 minutes and rest 10 minutes.

A Southern Cabbage Dinner: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

In the South, fried cabbage with bacon is a must with cornbread, and with a few extra add ins it easily becomes a full cabbage dinner. Smoky bacon, sweet onion and cabbage cook down until soft and golden, with a little kick from red pepper flakes. Add sliced smoked sausage to make it heartier. Are you team cornbread on the side or crumbled right on top? For more cheap and cozy ideas, see our savory pumpkin and squash dinners.

You will need: 8 slices bacon (chopped), 1 onion (sliced), 1 head cabbage (chopped), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 lb smoked sausage (optional).

How to make it: 1. Cook the bacon in a big skillet until crisp and set aside. 2. Cook the onion (and sausage) in the drippings 5 minutes. 3. Add the cabbage, salt, pepper, pepper flakes and sugar. 4. Cover and cook 15 minutes, stirring, until tender and lightly browned. 5. Add the vinegar and bacon and serve with cornbread.