Ham and cabbage is a classic, comforting dish that blends the savory, salty flavors of ham with the tender, slightly sweet taste of cabbage. Whether you have leftover ham or are starting fresh with ham steaks, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty meal. In this article, I’ll walk you through several methods to make ham and cabbage, including stovetop, one-pot, and slow cooker recipes, so you can choose the one that fits your schedule and taste buds.
What You’ll Need
– Ham (leftover ham, ham steaks, or diced ham)
– Cabbage (green cabbage is most common)
– Onion
– Garlic
– Butter or oil
– Seasonings: salt, pepper, thyme, apple cider vinegar (optional)
– Broth or water (optional, for slow cooking)
Method 1: One-Pot Ham and Cabbage
This method is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll get a flavorful dish in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 1.5 pounds cooked ham, diced into 1-inch cubes
– 1 small head green cabbage, cored and sliced
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter, divided
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced ham and cook for about 10 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain excess juice if needed to help browning.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining butter, then sauté the onion until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add half of the cabbage and mix well. Then add the rest of the cabbage with the apple cider vinegar, stirring until combined.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, season with salt, thyme, and pepper, stir, then cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Let the dish rest uncovered for 5 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats nicely on the stovetop.
Method 2: Fried Ham and Cabbage Skillet
If you prefer a quick skillet meal with a bit of a crispy edge, this method is for you.
Instructions
- Heat your choice of fat (butter or oil) in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced ham steak and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to brown.
- Add diced onion and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Toss in chopped cabbage and stir to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, or seasoning salt to taste.
- Cover the pan for a few minutes to steam the cabbage, then cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is soft and wilted (about 10-15 minutes).
Serve hot as a main dish or side.
Method 3: Slow Cooker Ham and Cabbage
For a hands-off approach, the slow cooker method is unbeatable. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm, comforting meal ready when you get home.
Ingredients
– 1.5 cups diced ham
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ head green cabbage, chopped
– 1.5 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon juice and butter for finishing
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ham in oil until golden and crispy. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Using the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, then add to the slow cooker.
- Add chopped cabbage and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Cook on high for about 2 hours or until the cabbage is tender.
- Optionally, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pat of butter for extra brightness and richness.
This recipe is great for using leftover ham and freezes well for up to three months.
Tips for Making the Best Ham and Cabbage
– Use good quality ham: Leftover ham works wonderfully, but ham steaks or diced ham from the deli are great options too.
– Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want it tender but still with a slight bite, not mushy.
– Add acid for brightness: A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can brighten the dish and balance the richness of the ham.
– Season well: Ham is salty, so adjust salt carefully. Pepper and herbs like thyme add nice depth.
– Add potatoes if you like: Some recipes include potatoes to make it a more filling meal.
Ham and cabbage is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you choose the quick stovetop method, a one-pot meal, or a slow cooker version, you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal that’s perfect any day of the week.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious results!