17 Cabbage Recipes That Make the Steamed Version Easy To Skip

Sometimes, the only thing left in the fridge is a big, heavy ball of cabbage. It might look boring or like a lot of work to chop, but you don't have to just steam it until it's soggy and plain. You can actually turn it into a dinner that tastes bold and exciting, even on a busy school night when everyone is hungry and tired. These 17 cabbage recipes show you how to take that one simple vegetable and make it the best part of your meal.

Cabbage Rolls Casserole

Rice and meat get tucked into soft leaves before being baked in a big dish. Tomato sauce soaks deep into every layer while the oven makes the tops brown and chewy. Inside, everything stays hot and tender for a hungry family.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Rolls Casserole

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sizzling bacon fat gives every green ribbon a smoky, salty taste that fills the kitchen. Cooking in a hot pan softens the leaves in just a few minutes. It is a simple treat to throw together when you feel wiped out.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Falafel-style Israeli Cabbage Salad

Lemon juice and herbs keep these greens crisp and bright. Because it stays raw, it has a loud snap that helps wake you up after a long day. A big scoop goes great with grilled chicken or warm bread for a fast meal.
Get the Recipe: Falafel-style Israeli Cabbage Salad

Cabbage Fritters

Shredded pieces get stirred into thick batter and fried until they shatter when bitten. A golden crust forms on the outside while the middle stays soft. Dipping these into cold yogurt is a great way to handle a busy Tuesday.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters

Gochujang Tahini Cabbage Soup

Spicy red pepper paste turns the broth a bright orange color that looks beautiful in the bowl. Adding sesame sauce makes the liquid rich and smooth instead of watery. Every leaf soaks up the heat while the pot bubbles during homework hour.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Tahini Cabbage Soup

Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Pickled mushrooms and yogurt make a tangy side dish that makes a simple dinner feel special. Using purple leaves adds a splash of color to the table on gray days. It stays fresh and crunchy even after sitting in the fridge for a day.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese

Hot air browns the edges of thick slices faster than boiling water. Melting soft cheese over the top makes a quick snack feel like a big deal. A drizzle of sweet vinegar helps cut through the salt for a bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ginger and garlic hit the hot oil just before the meat starts to brown. Keeping the heat high means the vegetables stay juicy and don't get mushy while you rush to finish. Serving a big scoop over white rice catches all the extra sauce.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

Burnt, dark edges give these thick slices a deep flavor that makes the steamed version easy to skip. Pouring cool sesame sauce over the spicy seasoning balances out the heat. It is a filling meal that works perfectly when the fridge is almost empty.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

Sliced peppers and greens cook down in tomato sauce until they are glossy and soft. Everything becomes sweet and easy to eat after some time in a heavy pan. Big heaps of vegetables taste great with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

Creamy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole

Bubbling white sauce hides between layers of leaves like a warm hug. A golden cheese skin forms over the top to keep everything savory and hot. Cold, hectic winter nights are the best time for this heavy, simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole

Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls In A Tomato-Raisin Sauce

Soft leaves wrap around rice and veggies to make special little bundles. Sweet raisins in the tangy tomato sauce add a surprise to every bite and keep things interesting. It is a fun way to serve a healthy meal that feels different.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls In A Tomato-Raisin Sauce

Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Almonds and fresh greens create a big crunch that clears your head. Spicy dressing ensures the flavor stays bold and impossible to ignore on a hot afternoon. It stays crisp on the table while you finally sit down to eat.
Get the Recipe: Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Mayo Purple Cabbage Slaw

Tangy dressing turns purple strands into a bright pink color that kids love. Mixing sugar and vinegar gives it a zing that goes well with a simple plate of burgers. Watching the color spread makes a plain vegetable feel like magic.
Get the Recipe: Mayo Purple Cabbage Slaw

Buttered Cabbage

Melting a big chunk of butter over low heat makes the ribbons sweet and see-through. They become almost clear and very soft after a slow, quiet cook on the back of the stove. Most people reach for a second helping of this comfort food before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Buttered Cabbage

Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

Ground beef and potatoes make a tomato broth feel like a full, heavy meal. Cooking in one pot makes cleaning up the kitchen much faster before you head to bed. A big batch is easy to freeze for the next busy night.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping

Crushed crackers create a salty, crunchy layer over the melty cheese. Hiding vegetables under a crust makes them much more fun for picky guests. It is a reliable way to get a hot dinner on the table without any stress.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping

Grab a head of cabbage and clear some space on the stove because these recipes are a great way to mix up your dinner routine.