This Smothered Cabbage and Potatoes recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years. The combination of tender cabbage, hearty potatoes, and savory bacon makes it a go-to dish for chilly evenings when you want something warm and filling. If you’re wondering how to cook cabbage and potatoes on the stove, this recipe is simple to prepare and offers a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

There’s something great about a dish that transforms everyday ingredients into something delicious. This bacon-smothered side dish has just seven ingredients and brings together fantastic flavors for a wholesome meal. Cabbage often gets overlooked, but when paired with potatoes and bacon, it really shines! It’s perfect for using up pantry items and can be easily adapted to your taste. Enjoy!

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Reasons to Make this Recipe

  • Flavorful Combination: The savory bacon, tender cabbage, and hearty potatoes create a delicious blend of flavors that are hard to resist.
  • One-Pot Cooking: Everything cooks together, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a rich taste.
  • Simple Side Dish: This Smothered Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is a tasty and easy side dish that pairs wonderfully with many main courses. It’s simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Enjoy!
  • Hearty and Filling: This dish is a favorite with its cozy mix of tender cabbage and hearty potatoes, it’s perfect whether you serve it as a main or a side. Ideal for those chilly nights when you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting!

Cabbage and Potatoes Ingredients

  • Bacon: Adds savory richness to the dish as it simmers with the cabbage and broth.
  • Onion + garlic: Sweet and aromatic, these build the flavor base and complement the cabbage beautifully.
  • Cabbage: The star of the dish, it becomes tender and flavorful while cooking.
  • Potatoes: Chunky potatoes soak up the broth, providing a hearty texture.
  • Seasonings: salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
  • Beef broth: Provides a rich, savory base that ties all the ingredients together.

How to Make Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

Cooking this dish is super easy and feels just as cozy as it tastes. Start by frying up some bacon, then toss in the onions, garlic, cabbage, and potatoes. After that, just add the broth and the spices.

Bacon in a pot after partially cooking.

Step 1: Cook the bacon in a large pot or skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Diced onions added to pot with bacon grease.

Step 2: Sauté the onions in the bacon fat until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Cabbage added on top of cooked onions.

Step 3: Add the cabbage and toss to coat in the bacon fat.

Chopped potatoes added to pot.

Step 4: Then, add the potatoes and pan fry briefly.

Beef broth being added to pot with chopped bacon and seasonings.

Step 5: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Then, add the beef broth and cooked bacon. Stir everything together.

After wilting cabbage.

Step 6: Cover the pot and simmer until the cabbage and potatoes are tender. Then, remove the lid and continue cooking to reduce the liquid.

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

  • Use a heavier pan: A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly and prevents sticking.
  • Adjust the cabbage: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can sauté the cabbage briefly before adding the other ingredients.
  • Add more spices: Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or caraway seeds to enhance the dish.
  • Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian twist, omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic. Substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add other vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, for added nutrition and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Dishes to Serve with Smothered Cabbage & Potatoes

More Dinner Side Dish Recipes

Let me know in the comments if you tried this recipe. Be sure to tag @ladleandgrain on Facebook and Instagram!

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Want to Save this Recipe? Just type your email below, and I’ll send it over!

Smothered Cabbage and Potatoes

Recipe by DiannaCourse: All Recipes, SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Total time

55

minutes

This Smothered Cabbage and Potatoes recipe with bacon, savory beef broth, and a touch of spice is a simple one-pot dish full of rich, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

  • 3-4 strips of bacon

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 head of cabbage, cut into large chunks

  • 1 lb potatoes, cut into chunks

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth

Directions

  • Cook the bacon in a large pot or skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  • Sauté the onions in the bacon fat for about 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the cabbage and potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat them in the bacon fat and aromatics.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, then add the beef broth along with the cooked bacon. Stir everything together.
  • Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage and potatoes are tender.
  • Once the vegetables are tender, remove the lid and let the liquid evaporate, cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, until most of the broth has reduced.

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