Dinner

Turkish Cabbage Stew Recipe

Name: Turkish Cabbage Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large red onion, very finely chopped; 1 pound ground beef or lamb; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon sweet paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon dried coriander; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 medium cabbage head, thick stem removed, washed and roughly chopped; 2 cups beef broth

ByCharlotte Montgomery January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

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Introduction

Turkish Cabbage Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender cabbage with savory ground meat and fragrant spices. It’s a comforting meal perfect for cozy dinners and showcases the rich culinary traditions of Turkish home cooking.

A close-up view of a blue-handled black pot filled with cooked cabbage and ground meat in a thin, reddish-brown sauce. The dish consists of large, soft cabbage leaves that are light orange and yellow, mixed with small pieces of browned ground meat. Small green herb bits are scattered on top for garnish. The pot is sitting on a dark wooden surface with a peeled red onion and some green herbs near it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large red onion, very finely chopped
1 pound ground beef or lamb
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried coriander
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 medium cabbage head, thick stem removed, washed and roughly chopped
2 cups beef broth

Instructions

Step 1: Place a Dutch oven over medium heat and melt the butter.
Step 2: Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until soft.
Step 3: Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste, red pepper flakes, sweet paprika, cumin, dried coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Add the chopped cabbage and beef broth to the pot.
Step 6: Cover the pot and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms for a similar texture and flavor.
If you prefer a spicier stew, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serve the stew over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Using lamb adds a richer flavor, but ground beef is a great, more affordable option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This stew also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a wooden spoon filled with a stew-like dish showing two main layers; the first layer is chunky cooked ground meat in small brown pieces, mixed evenly with the second layer of soft, cooked cabbage leaves in light yellow and pale green shades, all covered lightly with a glossy, rich brown sauce. Small pieces of green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh pop of color. The background shows a blurred continuation of the stew with similar textures and colors on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use green cabbage instead of red cabbage?

Yes, green cabbage works perfectly in this stew and is often more common. The flavor differences are subtle and won’t affect the overall dish.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. After browning the meat and onions on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the cabbage is tender.