Slow Cooker Poor Man Cabbage and Macaroni is an old-fashioned comfort food made with simple, affordable ingredients. Tender cabbage, hearty macaroni, savory ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings come together in the slow cooker to create a filling meal the whole family can enjoy.
This recipe is perfect when you want something comforting without spending a lot of money or time in the kitchen. It is easy to prepare, makes generous portions, and is especially delicious on a chilly evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cabbage and macaroni recipe is simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly.
- Affordable everyday ingredients
- Easy slow cooker preparation
- Hearty and filling
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Great for feeding a family
- Excellent for leftovers
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings
Ingredients
Ground Beef
Use about 1 pound of lean ground beef. Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker gives the dish better flavor and helps remove excess grease.
Cabbage
You will need about half of a large head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Green cabbage works particularly well because it becomes tender and slightly sweet during slow cooking.
Macaroni
Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice. Because pasta can become overly soft in a slow cooker, it is best added toward the end of cooking rather than at the beginning.
Diced Tomatoes
A can of diced tomatoes adds moisture, acidity, and a rich tomato flavor to the dish. You can use regular diced tomatoes or seasoned tomatoes depending on your preference.
Onion
A medium onion adds savory flavor and complements both the cabbage and ground beef.
Seasonings
Keep the seasoning simple with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s taste.
Beef Broth
Beef broth provides additional flavor and helps create the savory cooking liquid.
How to Make Slow Cooker Poor Man Cabbage and Macaroni
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop the cabbage and onion into bite-sized pieces.
There is no need to make the pieces perfectly uniform, but try to keep them reasonably similar in size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker
Add the browned ground beef, chopped cabbage, onion, and diced tomatoes to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Pour in the beef broth and add the seasonings.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for approximately 2½ to 3½ hours.
The cabbage should be tender and the flavors should have had time to blend.
Step 5: Add the Macaroni
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni during the final 30 to 45 minutes of cooking.
Stir well, cover again, and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
Check the macaroni occasionally because cooking times can vary between slow cookers.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Once the macaroni is tender, taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors and sauce can settle.
Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Cabbage and Macaroni
Brown the Beef First
Although you can technically add raw ground beef to some slow cooker recipes, browning it first gives this dish a deeper, richer flavor and improves the final texture.
Do Not Add the Macaroni Too Early
Adding pasta at the beginning can result in mushy macaroni. Adding it during the final part of cooking helps it retain a better texture.
Chop the Cabbage Into Bite-Sized Pieces
Large chunks can be difficult to serve, while very small pieces may become extremely soft. Medium bite-sized pieces are ideal.
Adjust the Liquid
The macaroni absorbs some of the broth as it cooks. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth.
Easy Variations
Add More Vegetables
You can add diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or frozen peas for extra vegetables.
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce for some heat.
Use Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning can add another layer of flavor and works particularly well with the tomatoes and beef.
Add Cheese
For a cheesy version, stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella during the final few minutes of cooking.
Use Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can replace the ground beef if you prefer a lighter option. You may want to add a little extra seasoning to compensate for its milder flavor.
What to Serve With Cabbage and Macaroni
This is already a complete and filling meal, but it pairs nicely with simple sides.
Try serving it with:
- Cornbread
- Dinner rolls
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Pickles
- Coleslaw
A piece of warm cornbread is especially good for soaking up the flavorful tomato and beef broth.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes. Poor Man Cabbage and Macaroni is an excellent make-ahead meal.
Prepare the recipe according to the instructions, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water if the macaroni has absorbed too much of the liquid.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to airtight containers.
Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, the finished dish can be frozen in freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the macaroni may become softer after freezing and reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Small pasta shapes such as small shells, rotini, or ditalini can work well. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Can I use ground pork instead of beef?
Yes. Ground pork can be substituted for ground beef and gives the dish a slightly different but delicious flavor.
Can I make it without meat?
Absolutely. Replace the meat with extra vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Beans can also be added for additional protein.
Why did my macaroni become mushy?
The pasta was likely cooked for too long. Slow cookers retain heat, so macaroni only needs a relatively short cooking time. Add it near the end and check it frequently.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes. Bagged shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix can make preparation even faster. If using coleslaw mix, check the ingredients and choose one without a heavy dressing or added sauce.
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Poor Man Cabbage and Macaroni
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on LOW or 2½ to 3½ hours on HIGH
Macaroni Cooking Time: 30 to 45 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ large head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces.
- Drain the excess grease.
- Add the ground beef to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the chopped cabbage, onion, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Add the garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2½ to 3½ hours, until the cabbage is tender.
- Add the uncooked macaroni during the final 30 to 45 minutes.
- Stir, cover, and continue cooking until the macaroni is tender.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Poor Man Cabbage and Macaroni is the kind of recipe that proves you do not need expensive ingredients to make a satisfying homemade dinner.
With tender cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni cooked together in a flavorful broth, this meal is hearty, comforting, and easy on the grocery budget. It is an excellent choice for busy families, cozy weekend dinners, and anyone who enjoys simple old-fashioned comfort food.
Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week for an easy meal that tastes even better the next day.