Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Cabbage Beef Hash
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Cabbage Beef Hash is a hearty, old-fashioned comfort food that turns a handful of simple ingredients into a satisfying family dinner. Tender cabbage, ground beef, potatoes, and onions slowly cook together in a savory beef broth until everything is tender and flavorful.
This is the kind of inexpensive, no-fuss meal that works especially well on busy days. Once the ingredients are added to the slow cooker, you can let it cook while you take care of the rest of your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 main ingredients
- Easy slow cooker preparation
- Budget-friendly
- Hearty and filling
- Great for busy weeknights
- Uses simple ingredients
- Makes excellent leftovers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Beef Hash
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 as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease.
Browning the beef first adds extra flavor and prevents the finished dish from becoming overly greasy.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Peel and dice the potatoes into fairly even pieces so they cook at approximately the same rate.
Chop the onion.
Step 3: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker
Place the potatoes in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion and cabbage.
Spread the browned ground beef over the vegetables.
Pour the beef broth evenly over everything.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and cabbage are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Try not to remove the lid unnecessarily during cooking because each time the lid is lifted, heat escapes and cooking time can increase.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Once everything is tender, gently stir the cabbage beef hash so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Beef Hash
Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Do not overcrowd the slow cooker with large chunks of cabbage. If the cabbage initially looks like a lot, it will shrink considerably as it cooks.
Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker gives the dish a deeper, richer flavor.
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the potatoes. Start checking them toward the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Optional Seasonings
The five main ingredients keep this recipe simple, but you can customize it with seasonings already in your pantry.
Black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or dried parsley can all complement the beef and cabbage.
A little Worcestershire sauce can also add extra savory flavor.
What to Serve With Cabbage Beef Hash
This is a complete and filling meal on its own, but it can also be served with:
- Warm crusty bread
- Cornbread
- Dinner rolls
- Pickles
- A simple green salad
The hearty flavors also pair nicely with a spoonful of sour cream.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This recipe is excellent for meal preparation.
You can chop the cabbage, potatoes, and onion ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to cook.
The ground beef can also be browned in advance and refrigerated for up to a couple of days before using.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish gently in a skillet or saucepan.
Can You Freeze Cabbage Beef Hash?
Yes, although the potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
Allow the cooked hash to cool completely, place it in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted, although the finished dish will have a lighter flavor.
Can I use red potatoes?
Absolutely. Red potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking and are a good choice for this recipe.
Do I have to brown the beef first?
It is recommended for better flavor and texture. If you are short on time, you can add raw ground beef to the slow cooker, but make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature and breaks apart properly during cooking.
Can I add carrots?
Yes. Carrots are an easy addition if you want more vegetables. Cut them into small, even pieces so they become tender along with the potatoes.
Can I make this with leftover cooked beef?
Yes. Finely chopped leftover roast beef or another cooked beef can be substituted for the ground beef. Since the meat is already cooked, add it during the later portion of cooking so it does not become dry.
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Cabbage Beef Hash
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat and drain excess grease.
- Place diced potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Add onion and chopped cabbage.
- Spread the browned beef over the vegetables.
- Pour beef broth over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Cook until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
- Stir gently and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Cabbage Beef Hash is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of tender cabbage, hearty potatoes, savory beef, and onions makes this an inexpensive dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
It is especially useful when you want a cozy homemade meal without complicated preparation. Add everything to the slow cooker, let it cook slowly, and come back to a warm and filling dinner.