Ultimate Slow Cooker Ham and Cabbage Stew: An Easy & Hearty Comfort Meal
Imagine coming home after a long, demanding day to the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal, ready and waiting. This Slow Cooker Ham and Cabbage Stew isn’t just a recipe; it’s a promise of ease and deliciousness. Simply combine all your ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and let the magic happen. The result is consistently tender ham, a deeply flavorful, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked, sweet cabbage – a true comfort food stew that requires minimal effort in the kitchen. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, nourishing meal without spending hours at the stove.
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Why This Easy Slow Cooker Ham Stew with Spring Onions is a Family Favorite
The slow cooker has truly become my kitchen hero, especially during hectic periods. With a bustling family of five, we frequently rely on it to prepare wholesome, delicious meals when time is scarce. It’s incredibly versatile, capable of conjuring up everything from an authentic Indonesian Slow Cooker Daging Roedjak and a delightful Chinese Babi Pangang from the Slow Cooker to rich, braised ribs bathed in red wine. This appliance allows us to enjoy diverse and flavorful dishes without the constant attention that traditional cooking often demands.
Today, the star of our slow cooker was this incredible stew featuring succulent ham steaks and vibrant pointed cabbage. The ham steaks, after hours of slow simmering, transform into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces, perfectly absorbing the rich flavors of the stew. The cabbage softens beautifully, adding a delicate sweetness and a pleasant texture contrast. It’s a remarkably satisfying and hearty dish, especially comforting on cooler days, and the best part is how effortlessly it comes together.
So, if you’re facing a busy schedule, simply load your slow cooker in the morning. By evening, a fragrant, delicious meal will be waiting to be enjoyed. This ham and cabbage stew practically cooks itself, making it an absolute dream for anyone seeking a hassle-free, yet incredibly rewarding, culinary experience. It’s truly a testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Ham and Cabbage Stew
Crafting a flavorful stew starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and substitutions to make this recipe your own:
- Ham Steaks: These are fantastic for slow cooking because they are already cured and offer a wonderful salty, savory depth that infuses beautifully into the stew. They become incredibly juicy and tender after hours of simmering. If ham steaks aren’t available or you prefer other cuts, pork tenderloin or pork shoulder (Boston butt) can be excellent alternatives, offering similar tenderness and flavor. For those who prefer beef, use beef steaks (like chuck roast or stewing beef) but note that they will require a longer cooking time, typically 8 hours on low heat, to achieve optimal tenderness. For a lighter version, chicken fillet or chicken thighs can be used, though they will cook faster and yield a different flavor profile.
- Red Wine: A good dry red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, adds a rich, complex layer of flavor to the stew. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a deep, savory note that enhances the overall profile. If you prefer not to use wine, or simply don’t have any on hand, simply substitute it with an equal amount of extra beef stock. You can also use a non-alcoholic red wine or a splash of red wine vinegar for a hint of tang.
- Chinese Cabbage (Napa Cabbage): This tender, slightly sweet cabbage is perfect for slow cooking as it softens without becoming mushy and absorbs flavors beautifully. It adds a wonderful freshness and a healthy boost to the stew. If Chinese cabbage isn’t available, white cabbage or green cabbage are excellent substitutes. Savoy cabbage also works well, offering a slightly more textured bite. Ensure you slice any alternative cabbage thinly for best results.
- Aromatics & Pantry Staples: Beyond the main stars, you’ll need a few pantry essentials that build the foundation of flavor. These include all-purpose flour (for coating the ham and slightly thickening the stew), salt and pepper (for seasoning), onion (chopped, for a sweet and pungent base), fresh ginger (grated, for a warm, spicy kick), and garlic (squeezed or minced, for its classic savory depth). For the luscious sauce, you’ll use sunflower oil (or another neutral cooking oil), diced tomatoes (for acidity and body), sweet chili sauce (for a hint of sweetness and gentle heat), and beef stock (the liquid base that ties all the flavors together). Finally, spring onions (scallions) are used both in the stew and as a fresh, crisp garnish.
Step-by-Step Preparation for a Perfect Slow Cooker Ham Stew
Preparing this stew is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for even the busiest mornings. Follow these simple steps to ensure a delicious outcome:
- First, take a large plastic bag (a zip-top bag works wonderfully for this) and add the all-purpose flour, along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add your ham steak pieces to the bag. Seal the bag and shake it vigorously until each piece of ham is evenly coated with a thin layer of seasoned flour. This step helps to tenderize the meat slightly and also contributes to thickening the stew’s sauce.
- Next, transfer the floured ham pieces directly into the basin of your slow cooker. Distribute them evenly. Then, add the chopped onion, grated fresh ginger, and crushed garlic over the meat. These aromatics will slowly release their incredible flavors throughout the cooking process, building a robust foundation for your stew.
- Now it’s time to add the liquids and sauces. Pour in the sunflower oil, red wine, diced tomatoes, and sweet chili sauce. Finally, add the beef stock. Use a large spoon to gently stir all the ingredients together in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well combined and the ham is nestled into the liquid.
- Once the base is set, it’s time for the vegetables. Evenly distribute the sliced Chinese cabbage and the spring onions (reserving a small handful of spring onions for a fresh garnish at the end) over the mixture. Give everything another gentle stir to ensure the cabbage is slightly submerged in the liquid. Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. Set it to the ‘low’ setting for 6 hours, or the ‘high’ setting for 4 hours. Walk away, and let your slow cooker do all the hard work!
- After the cooking time, the ham will be incredibly tender, and the sauce rich and flavorful. Give it a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved fresh spring onions for a burst of color and a fresh, mild oniony bite. Enjoy your comforting, homemade stew!
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds ham steaks, cut into 1 x 1 inch (2×2 cm) pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, squeezed or minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 14 oz. diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
- 4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- â…” cup red wine, e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
- â…” cup beef stock
- 1 pound Chinese cabbage, sliced (also known as Napa cabbage)
- 3 spring onions, cut into rings (keep a handful aside for garnish)
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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In a large plastic bag, mix the all-purpose flour with a little salt and pepper. Add the cut pieces of ham steak to the bag. Shake the bag well until all the meat is thoroughly coated with a thin layer of flour. This helps tenderize the ham and thickens the stew.3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, salt and pepper, 2 pounds ham steaks
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Carefully place the floured ham pieces into the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, grated fresh ginger, and crushed garlic on top of the ham.3 cloves garlic, 1 inch fresh ginger, 1 onion
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Pour in the diced tomatoes, sunflower oil, sweet chili sauce, red wine, and beef stock. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and the ham is submerged in the flavorful liquid.14 oz. diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon sunflower oil, 4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, â…” cup red wine, â…” cup beef stock
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Evenly add the chopped pointed cabbage and spring onions (remember to reserve a small handful of spring onions for garnish before adding the rest). Give everything a final mix to ensure the cabbage is coated and begins to soften.1 pound Chinese cabbage, 3 spring onions
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Place the lid firmly on the slow cooker. Cook on the ‘low’ setting for 6 hours, or on the ‘high’ setting for 4 hours. The ham should be incredibly tender and the flavors fully developed and absorbed into the vegetables and sauce.
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Once cooked, ladle the hot stew into bowls. Sprinkle generously with the reserved fresh spring onions for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately. This stew pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
2. Larger Portion? While many recipes can simply be doubled, slow cooker recipes sometimes require slight adjustments for larger portions, particularly regarding liquid levels. If you double the weight of the meat for this recipe, aim to add an additional 100-150 ml (about ½ to ⅔ cup) of beef stock or red wine to ensure enough liquid for slow simmering and to prevent drying out. Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume without overfilling (typically no more than ¾ full). Cooking times might also need a slight increase, but always check for tenderness rather than relying solely on the clock.
3. Slow Cooker Settings: The choice between ‘low’ and ‘high’ settings affects both the cooking time and the overall tenderness. Setting your slow cooker to 6 hours on ‘low’ allows for a gentler, longer cooking process, often resulting in incredibly tender, fall-apart meat and deeper flavor development. Cooking on ‘high’ for 4 hours provides a quicker cooking time but still achieves excellent results. Both methods yield a delicious stew, so choose the setting that best fits your schedule. Remember, “low and slow” is usually preferred for stews to achieve maximum tenderness.
4. Storage & Reheating: This stew is fantastic for meal prepping and storing leftovers!
- Refrigerator: Allow the stew to cool down rapidly after cooking to ensure food safety. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it covered in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, this stew freezes wonderfully. Divide the meat, sauce, and vegetables into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. You can store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a saucepan with two tablespoons of water or extra beef stock to prevent it from drying out. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway, until piping hot.
Nutrition
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More Slow Cooker Delights
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and delicious results of slow cooking, you’re in for a treat! The slow cooker is a versatile appliance that can help you create a wide variety of hearty and comforting meals with minimal effort. Here are some other fantastic slow cooker recipes to add to your repertoire:
- Slow Cooker French Ham Steak Stew
- Slow Cooker Spezzatino di Manzo
- Slow Cooker Barbecue Spareribs
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Ham and Cabbage Stew
What can I serve with this stew?
This versatile ham and cabbage stew pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or simple steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, consider a side salad or some crusty artisan bread to mop up every last drop. The rich flavors also complement egg noodles or even a baked sweet potato.
Can I add potatoes directly to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! If you want to make this a true one-pot meal, you can add diced potatoes directly to the slow cooker. Cut them into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes so they cook evenly with the ham and cabbage. Add them along with the ham and other vegetables at the beginning of the cooking process. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes all work well.
What kind of ham should I use?
Ham steaks (sometimes labeled as fully cooked ham slices) are ideal for this recipe because they are pre-cooked and become incredibly tender. If you have leftover holiday ham, that works perfectly too – just ensure it’s cut into manageable stew-sized pieces. Avoid using deli ham or thinly sliced cured ham, as these won’t hold up to the long cooking time.
Is it possible to brown the ham before slow cooking?
While this recipe is designed for maximum ease without browning, you certainly can brown the ham pieces in a skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step can add an extra layer of depth and caramelized flavor, but it is entirely optional and the stew will still be incredibly delicious without it.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sweet chili sauce?
The sweet chili sauce adds a mild sweetness and a very subtle hint of heat. If you prefer a spicier stew, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings, or choose a sweet chili sauce with a higher heat rating. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce slightly or opt for a plain sweet soy sauce (ketjap manis) for sweetness without the chili heat.