Slow Cooker Cabbage and Ground Beef Mash

This easy slow cooker cabbage and ground beef mash is a hearty, budget-friendly comfort food dinner made with just five simple ingredients. Tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and savory onion seasoning slowly cook together until everything is rich, tender, and wonderfully satisfying.

When you need an easy weeknight dinner with minimal prep, this slow cooker cabbage beef recipe is a great choice. Simply layer the ingredients in your crockpot, let it cook, then gently mash the potatoes and beef together before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cabbage Beef Recipe

• Easy dump-and-go dinner: Add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do most of the work.
• Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients make this an affordable family meal.
• Hearty and filling: Ground beef and potatoes make this dish satisfying enough for dinner.
• Comfort food classic: Tender cabbage and savory beef create a cozy, home-style flavor.
• Great for busy weeknights: Most of the cooking is hands-off.
• Meal-prep friendly: The vegetables can be prepared ahead of time for an even faster morning setup.
• Family-sized recipe: Makes approximately 6 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small head green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
• 1 pound baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage and Ground Beef Mash

1. Add the Ground Beef

Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray if desired. Place the raw ground beef evenly across the bottom.

2. Layer the Potatoes and Tomatoes

Add the potato chunks over the ground beef. Pour the diced tomatoes and their juices over the potatoes, then sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly across the top.

3. Add the Cabbage

Place the shredded cabbage over everything. Don’t worry if the cabbage seems to fill the slow cooker—once it cooks, it will shrink considerably.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3½ to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the ground beef is fully cooked.

4. Mash and Combine

Remove the lid. Use a spoon or potato masher to break the beef into smaller pieces and gently mash some of the potatoes into the cabbage mixture.

Stir everything together until you have a chunky, hearty consistency. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Helpful Tips

Add garlic:
For deeper savory flavor, add 2 minced garlic cloves along with the tomatoes.

Want more tomato flavor?
Add a small can of tomato sauce for a softer, saucier consistency that’s especially good with crusty bread.

Choose your favorite potatoes:
Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or baby potatoes all work well. Frozen diced potatoes can also be used, although they may become tender sooner.

Brown the beef first:
For extra browned flavor, cook the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This can also help reduce excess fat.

Prepare ahead:
Shred the cabbage and cut the potatoes the night before. Store them properly in the refrigerator so everything is ready for a quick morning assembly.

Don’t over-mash:
For the best texture, mash only some of the potatoes. Leaving plenty of chunks gives the dish a rustic, hearty consistency.

What to Serve With Cabbage Beef Mash

Serve this comforting slow cooker meal with:

• Crusty bread
• Dinner rolls
• Buttered rye toast
• Dill pickles
• Simple green salad
• Steamed green beans

The bread is especially useful for soaking up the flavorful tomato and beef juices.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cabbage beef mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them gently in a saucepan until heated through.

For meal prep, divide the cooled leftovers into individual containers for convenient lunches or quick dinners.