Why This Slow Cooker Ham & Cabbage Stew Will Be Your New Favorite

In the whirlwind of daily life, especially with a busy family of five, the slow cooker isn’t just a kitchen appliance; it’s a true lifesaver. It transforms the challenge of getting a nutritious, delicious meal on the table into an effortless task. This particular ham and Chinese cabbage stew perfectly embodies the magic of slow cooking. Imagine starting your day by simply tossing a few ingredients into a pot, and returning home to the inviting aroma of a perfectly cooked meal.

This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about flavor development. The ham steaks, slow-cooked to an incredible tenderness, absorb all the rich, savory notes from the sauce, becoming melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The Chinese cabbage softens just enough to add a delightful texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the robust flavors of the ham and spices. It’s a remarkably satisfying dish, particularly on a chilly evening, requiring minimal hands-on time and delivering maximum comfort.

Whether you’re already a slow cooker enthusiast or new to its wonders, this recipe promises to impress. It’s a versatile addition to your meal rotation, joining other family favorites like Indonesian Slow Cooker Daging Roedjak, Chinese Babi Pangang from the Slow Cooker, or rich braised ribs with red wine. If your days are packed, let your slow cooker take the reins. Simply set it in the morning, and by evening, a delicious, hearty stew will be ready to serve. Who can resist a meal that practically cooks itself, leaving you free to “do your thing”?

Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Ham & Cabbage Stew

Crafting a truly memorable slow cooker stew begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful substitution tips to make this recipe your own:

• Ham Steaks: These are the star of our stew, known for their juicy texture and tender bite when slow-cooked. For variety, you can also use pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, which will also become incredibly tender. If you’re looking for an alternative meat, beef steaks (like chuck or stew beef) are excellent but will require a longer cooking time, typically around 8 hours on low. For a lighter version, boneless, skinless chicken fillets can be used, reducing the cooking time to about 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, ensuring they don’t dry out.
• Red Wine: A robust red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, adds a wonderful depth of flavor and richness to the sauce. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a complex, savory undertone. If you prefer to cook without wine, simply substitute it with an equal amount of extra beef stock or even vegetable stock for a slightly different, but still delicious, profile.
• Chinese Cabbage (Napa Cabbage): This tender, slightly sweet cabbage is perfect for slow cooking as it softens beautifully without becoming mushy. If Chinese cabbage isn’t available, white cabbage (green cabbage) or savoy cabbage are excellent alternatives. Pointed cabbage (or sweetheart cabbage) is another fantastic option, offering a similar delicate texture and sweet flavor. Feel free to use what’s freshest and most accessible to you.
• Aromatics & Spices: Onion, garlic, and fresh ginger form the aromatic foundation of this stew. Don’t skip these as they provide essential flavor.
• Sauce Base: Diced tomatoes add acidity and body, while sweet chili sauce introduces a delightful sweet and spicy kick. Beef stock rounds out the liquid base, ensuring a rich, savory broth.
• Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour helps to slightly thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the meat and vegetables.
• Spring Onions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color, especially when used as a garnish.

Simple Steps for Your Slow Cooker Ham & Cabbage Stew

Preparing this hearty stew is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for busy mornings. Follow these simple steps, and your slow cooker will handle the rest, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious, comforting meal.

1. Prepare the Ham: Start by seasoning your ham steaks. In a sturdy plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add the cubed ham pieces to the bag, seal it, and shake well until the meat is evenly coated with a thin layer of flour. This light coating helps to slightly thicken the stew and gives the ham a pleasant texture.
2. Layer the Aromatics: Transfer the floured ham pieces to the bottom of your slow cooker. Evenly distribute the chopped onion, grated fresh ginger, and squeezed garlic cloves over the ham. These aromatics will infuse the entire stew with their fragrant flavors as it cooks.
3. Add the Liquids and Flavorings: Pour in the sunflower oil, rich red wine (or extra stock), diced tomatoes, sweet chili sauce, and beef stock. Give everything a good stir with a spoon or spatula to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the ham is nestled into the liquid.
4. Incorporate the Vegetables: Top the mixture with the sliced Chinese cabbage and most of the chopped spring onions (reserving a small handful for garnishing later). Stir gently once more to ensure the cabbage is mostly submerged in the liquid, allowing it to cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
5. Set and Forget: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. The slow cooking process will tenderize the ham beautifully, allow the flavors to meld, and soften the vegetables to perfection. Once the cooking time is complete, your delicious stew is ready!
6. Serve: Ladle the warm, aromatic stew into bowls. Garnish with the reserved fresh spring onions for a burst of color and a final touch of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, comforting meal!

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Ham and Cabbage Stew

Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate your slow cooker ham and cabbage stew from good to absolutely outstanding:

• Don’t Overcrowd Your Slow Cooker: While it’s tempting to pack in as much as possible, leaving a little room ensures even cooking and prevents the stew from becoming watery. Aim for the slow cooker to be no more than two-thirds full.
• Consider Browning the Ham (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, quickly brown the floured ham pieces in a skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This creates a rich, caramelized crust that deepens the taste of the entire stew. It’s an extra step, but highly recommended if you have a few extra minutes.
• Cut Vegetables Evenly: Ensure your ham steaks, onions, and cabbage are cut into roughly similar-sized pieces. This promotes even cooking, so everything is perfectly tender at the same time.
• Adjust Seasoning at the End: Different brands of ham, stock, and chili sauce can vary in saltiness. It’s best to taste the stew towards the end of the cooking time and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can also brighten the flavors if desired.
• “No Peeking” Rule: Resist the urge to lift the lid of your slow cooker during cooking! Every time you open it, heat escapes, and it can add up to 20-30 minutes to your total cooking time. Trust the process and let your slow cooker do its job.
• Add Extra Vegetables: This stew is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to toss in other hearty vegetables like chopped carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers along with the ham and cabbage. They will cook down beautifully and add more nutrients and color.

Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Stew

This slow cooker ham and cabbage stew is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides can truly complete the experience. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Crusty Bread: A fresh loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory sauce. A baguette or a rustic sourdough would be excellent choices.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for any stew. Their smooth texture and mild flavor perfectly complement the rich stew.
• Rice or Noodles: For a simple and satisfying base, serve the stew over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even egg noodles. The grains and noodles will absorb the delicious sauce, making each bite incredibly flavorful.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew, adding a touch of brightness and extra vegetables.
• Cornbread: For a Southern-inspired touch, serve your stew with warm, buttery cornbread. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture is a delightful match.

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Slow Cooker Ham and Cabbage Stew

Andréa

Frequently Asked Questions About This Stew

Here are answers to some common questions about making this slow cooker ham and cabbage stew:

Can I use a different type of ham?

Yes, absolutely! While ham steaks are excellent, you can use other cuts like a boneless smoked ham, or even pre-cooked ham that you dice yourself. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using a less tender cut, ensuring it cooks until fall-apart tender. If using fresh pork (not smoked/cured), you might want to add a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

What kind of cabbage works best?

Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) is recommended for its tender texture and slightly sweet flavor. However, white cabbage, green cabbage, or even savoy cabbage are great alternatives. Pointed cabbage also works wonderfully. Choose what’s fresh and available.

What if I don’t have red wine?

No problem! You can simply replace the red wine with an equal amount of beef broth or even vegetable broth. The stew will still be incredibly flavorful, just with a slightly different depth.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Definitely! This stew is very forgiving and welcomes additional vegetables. Carrots, potatoes (especially small, waxy ones), parsnips, or bell peppers are fantastic additions. Add root vegetables at the beginning with the ham, and softer vegetables like bell peppers about an hour or two before the end of cooking.

Is this stew freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes beautifully! Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, until heated through.

More Slow Cooker Delights

If you loved the ease and flavor of this ham and cabbage stew, you’re in for a treat! The slow cooker is a powerhouse for creating delicious, tender meals with minimal fuss. Explore more of our favorite slow cooker recipes to keep your weeknight dinners exciting and stress-free.