Warm, satisfying, and packed with simple goodness, ham and cabbage stew brings the best of classic comfort food right to your dinner table. This easy slow cooker recipe fits right into the busy family routine—you can toss everything together and let it simmer while you tackle your day.
We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.
⭐ Why You’ll Love this Recipe ⭐
When you find a meal that’s just as comforting as a big, fuzzy blanket and easy enough to make on your busiest weekday, that’s a win. Ham and cabbage stew brings together all those things you want for dinner: warmth, heartiness, and just a touch of nostalgia.
Brings Everyone to the Table
- The flavors are rich but not overpowering—perfect for both little ones and adults.
- Leftovers heat up beautifully, so tomorrow’s lunch is sorted.
- The mix of veggies and protein gives you a satisfying bowl that’s both wholesome and filling.
Want more inspiration for dinners that everyone loves? It’s worth a peek at these Top 10 Weeknight Casserole Recipes for easy, crowd-pleasing options.
Effortless, Fuss-Free Cooking
Throw all your ingredients into one pot, let the slow cooker handle the heavy lifting, and check this meal off your to-do list. Dinner simmers away while you focus on helping with homework, folding laundry, or just catching a breath.
- Minimal chopping and prep work makes this stew a favorite for weeknight dinners.
- No fancy cooking skills needed—just a few pantry basics mixed with love.
- Clean-up is a breeze thanks to the one-pot magic.
Comfort Food with Flexibility
This stew can handle your schedule and your taste buds. Short on time? No problem. Want to sneak in a few extra veggies? Go for it! It’s a dish that welcomes swaps and little tweaks without losing that cozy, homemade vibe.
- Use pre-cut cabbage or frozen carrots for an even quicker start.
- Amp up the flavor by adding a dash of dried herbs or a sprinkle of caraway if you’re feeling bold.
- Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe—your slow cooker can handle it.
Craving more stick-to-your-ribs family meals? Try the bright, balanced Lemon Rosemary Chicken Recipe for another easy dinner win that brings the family together.
🧾 Ingredients
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
- Cooked ham
- Diced onions
- Garlic clove
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots
- Salt and pepper
- Ham stock
- Water
- Cornstarch
- Optional: I do not use these but it is called for in the original recipe if you are interested: 1 4oz can of mushrooms and 1/4tsp caraway seeds
🔪 How to Make Ham and Cabbage Stew Recipe
Pile everything into the slow cooker, but leave out the cornstarch and water for now. Let it simmer away on low for 4 to 6 hours.
About one hour before the stew is ready, stir in that cornstarch mix—this helps your stew thicken up just enough, giving it that perfect cozy texture.
⭐ Essential Tips and Tricks for Perfect Stew⭐
Sauté First for Big Flavor
One little step can give your stew a big flavor boost before it even goes in the slow cooker. Sautéing your onions, ham, and garlic for two or three minutes in a hot skillet brings out all their savory goodness. Think of it as giving your ingredients a warm-up before the big game—it unlocks deeper, richer notes that will simmer right into your broth.
Don’t Rush the Slow Simmer
Stews shine when you give them time. Cooking on low for 4 to 6 hours lets the ham and veggies cozy up and mingle in the pot. The cabbage soaks up rich ham flavor, and carrots turn sweet and fork-tender. If you’re ever tempted to speed things up, remember: patience transforms a pile of simple ingredients into old-fashioned comfort food.
Tip: For a firmer cabbage bite, cut it into chunky squares rather than shreds. Prefer your carrots softer? Slice them thin before adding.
Get the Right Texture
Texture is what turns a stew from “meh” to “wow.” If you like your broth extra silky, mix that tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in at the end. The stew will go from broth-like to just the right amount of hearty—each spoonful holds together but doesn’t feel heavy.
If you want a lighter stew, you can skip thickening—just let the broth stand on its own.
Need it even thicker? Add another half-tablespoon of cornstarch next time, mixed in cold water so you avoid lumps.
Taste as You Go
Since ham brings plenty of salt to the party, wait to season until the stew is nearly done. Give it a careful taste, then sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed. A light hand at the start means you can make smart adjustments at the end instead of scrambling to fix an overly salty stew.
Make It Your Own
Ham and cabbage stew is like a comfy sweater—easy to dress up or down. Feel free to toss in extras:
Leftover cooked potatoes, parsnips, or even a handful of frozen corn
A pinch of dried herbs—think thyme, parsley, or a dash of smoky paprika for warmth
If your family likes a little zing, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or mustard for tang
This stew welcomes creativity and helps reduce waste by inviting those stray veggies hiding in your crisper. Families managing picky eaters might appreciate letting everyone top their stew with shredded cheese or a swirl of sour cream.
If you want more ideas for hearty slow cooker meals that taste like they took all day—even when you only had minutes to spare—peek at this easy beef burgundy stew recipe.
Store and Reheat Like a Pro
Stew only gets better when it sits overnight in the fridge, so leftovers are a gift. Let it cool, store in airtight containers, and simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave for lunchboxes or midnight snacks. It also freezes well, so you can enjoy a batch on those extra busy nights.
If you’re searching for even more easy dinner ideas, check out the family-friendly Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla Recipe to add a little variety to your weeknight menu.
📖 Creative Variations for Busy Families
Kid-Friendly Twists for Picky Eaters
Some little ones wrinkle their noses at cabbage or ham, but a little creativity makes this stew hard to resist:
- Add potatoes or pasta: Stir in diced potatoes or a handful of cooked noodles for a heartier meal that’s gentle on fussy taste buds.
- Top with cheese: Melted cheddar or mozzarella on each bowl turns dinner into a gooey, comforting treat.
- Mix in sweet corn: For extra color and a touch of sweetness, add a cup of frozen corn just before serving.
A little cheese and mild veggies can make all the difference when you’re trying to win over your resident food critics.
Make-Ahead and Time-Saving Options
Family life is busy and getting dinner on the table quickly is a win. These easy options help carve out time without skimping on flavor:
- Use pre-chopped onions and carrots to speed up prep.
- Try bagged shredded cabbage, which tosses right into the slow cooker and saves precious minutes.
- If you have cooked ham leftover from another meal, this stew becomes the ultimate “second act” dinner.
Looking for more quick ways to feed your crew? If you haven’t tried easy, satisfying casseroles, give the Easy Vegetable Lasagna Recipe a go for another simple family dinner that delivers.
Flavor Swaps for Adventurous Eaters
If your family likes to explore different flavors, change up the base ingredients or sprinkle in new spices:
- Toss in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or add a bay leaf to the pot for deeper flavor.
- Try using kielbasa or smoked sausage instead of ham for a different savory bite.
- Sub out the carrots for parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even chopped bell pepper.
This dish is flexible and forgiving, so don’t be afraid to put your favorite spin on it.
Add-Ins for Nutritious Variety
Want to boost the health factor or sneak in more vegetables? These add-ins fit seamlessly into the stew:
- Baby spinach wilts beautifully when stirred in just before serving.
- A can of white beans or chickpeas delivers extra protein and fiber.
- Chopped tomatoes bring brightness and a pop of color.
It’s simple to balance nutrition and taste, making this stew a kitchen MVP for families who want both comfort and healthy variety in their meals.
Double Up and Freeze
If you like having dinner ready at a moment’s notice, make a double batch and freeze half for later. The stew reheats without losing flavor or texture, making future meals even easier. That’s one less thing to worry about on those extra hectic days.
And if you love saving time with the slow cooker, the Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe is another great meal you can prepare in advance and enjoy all week.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
Ham and Cabbage Stew
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb cooked ham cubed
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 4 cups shredded cabbage. I like mine in bigger pieces so I cut mine instead of shredding it with a grater.
- 2 sliced carrots
- salt and pepper
- 2/3 cups ham stock
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 Tablespoons of water
- Optional: I do not use these but it is called for in the original recipe if you are interested: 1 4oz can of mushrooms and 1/4tsp caraway seeds
Directions
- Add all of the ingredients into the slow cooker except the cornstarch and water mixture. Cook for 4-6 hours on low.
- About an hour before the stew is done, add in the cornstarch mixture to thicken it slightly.
Patty
Now this is just up my alley. I’ve pinned it to try later. thanks!
Erica
I love ham and cabbage together, so this sounds like a recipe I would like!
Ellen Christian
I love ham and cabbage together. Sounds delicious.
diane
I am not a fan of mushrooms so happy to see that you left those out! Looks like a great meal for winter!
Karen - DCR
I love adding cabbage to stew – I add it to my beef stew often. I will have to try making a ham and cabbage stew now!
Linda B
My hubby and I love cabbage and he likes my fried cabbage. I don’t have many cabbage recipes and this one is one that I have pinned and definately going to use later on after I have made my Easter Ham. Can’t wait to try it.!!! sounds so yummy!