Ever since I discovered Cowboy Cabbage, it has become one of my go-to recipes for a comforting and satisfying meal. I remember the first time I made it—it was a busy weeknight, and I wanted something quick but hearty that would fill the kitchen with incredible aromas. As I chopped the fresh vegetables and cooked the turkey bacon and chicken ham until golden, the rich smell of sautéed cabbage and spices made me realize this dish was going to be special. From the very first bite, I knew Cowboy Cabbage was more than just a simple vegetable dish—it was a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

You will love this recipe because it balances savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors in a single pan. The tender cabbage absorbs all the juices from the turkey bacon and chicken ham, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main course with rice, mashed potatoes, or bread, or as a hearty side for grilled meats. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a larger group, this recipe scales beautifully and still maintains its rich, satisfying taste.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its affordability. Most ingredients are pantry staples, and fresh vegetables are easy to source at any local market. You get a filling, nutritious meal without spending a fortune. It’s also a great way to make the most of what’s on hand, since you can swap in other vegetables or proteins if needed.

Cowboy Cabbage is made with simple ingredients that come together quickly:

1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 strips of turkey bacon, chopped
1 cup of chicken ham, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth

With these ingredients, you can create a dish that delivers layers of flavor, vibrant color, and a satisfying aroma that fills your kitchen. Cowboy Cabbage is a recipe that’s easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for anyone who enjoys hearty, home-cooked meals that bring people together.

How to Prepare Cowboy Cabbage

Preparing Cowboy Cabbage is straightforward, and once you get started, the process becomes almost therapeutic. This dish combines tender cabbage, savory turkey bacon, and flavorful chicken ham into a comforting, hearty meal that appeals to everyone. With just a few steps, you can turn simple ingredients into a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the ingredients
Begin by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop the turkey bacon into small pieces and cut the chicken ham into cubes. Having all your ingredients ready before you start cooking will make the process smooth and stress-free.
Cook the turkey bacon
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden and slightly crispy. The turkey bacon will release its flavorful fat, which will add richness to the cabbage later.
Sauté the aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey bacon. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Make sure not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter and affect the flavor of the dish.
Add the chicken ham
Stir in the diced chicken ham and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The chicken ham will absorb the flavors from the turkey bacon and onions, adding a savory depth to the dish.
Cook the cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet in batches if necessary, allowing it to wilt slightly before adding more. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth to help soften the cabbage and prevent it from sticking. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Season the dish
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so that every piece of cabbage is coated with the spices. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The smoked paprika gives a subtle smokiness that complements the turkey bacon perfectly.
Simmer and combine flavors
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cabbage cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The cabbage should become tender but still retain a slight crunch. The flavors will meld together beautifully during this time, creating a harmonious balance of savory and slightly sweet notes.
Optional customization
You can make this recipe your own by adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. For extra spice, sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also finish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving the Cowboy Cabbage
Once the cabbage is tender and flavorful, transfer it to a serving dish. It pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread. This dish is always a crowd-pleaser at family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers because of its hearty, comforting taste.

Quick and Easy Tips

Prepare the vegetables and proteins in advance to make cooking faster.
Use a wide skillet to allow the cabbage to cook evenly.
Stir frequently but gently to avoid breaking down the cabbage too much.
Keep the lid on while simmering to retain moisture and enhance flavor.

Cowboy Cabbage is incredibly popular because it delivers a satisfying, complete meal in a single pan. The combination of turkey bacon, chicken ham, and cabbage appeals to both meat lovers and vegetable enthusiasts. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it perfect for weeknight dinners, while its bold flavors make it suitable for more special occasions. Everyone who tries it finds it comforting, hearty, and deliciously addictive.

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Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender cabbage with savory turkey bacon and chicken ham. Its rich aroma, comforting taste, and versatility make it perfect for family meals, casual gatherings, or meal prep. This recipe is easy to follow, affordable, and customizable to suit your taste.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

Instructions

Prepare all ingredients: Chop the cabbage, dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the turkey bacon, and cube the chicken ham.
Cook turkey bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook 5-7 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
Sauté onions and garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Add chicken ham: Stir in chicken ham and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Cook cabbage: Add cabbage in batches if necessary. Pour in broth and stir to combine.
Season: Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir well.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
Optional additions: Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy with rice, mashed potatoes, or bread.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste.

For extra crunch, avoid overcooking the cabbage.

Use a wide skillet to ensure even cooking.

Can be customized with additional vegetables or spices.

FAQs About Cowboy Cabbage

1. Can I make Cowboy Cabbage ahead of time?
Yes, Cowboy Cabbage can be prepared in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist.

2. Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Absolutely. While green cabbage works best, you can substitute savoy or Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.

3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes. Cowboy Cabbage is ideal for meal prep because it stores well and reheats easily. Portion it into containers for lunches or dinners, and it will stay flavorful throughout the week.

4. Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
You can omit the turkey bacon and chicken ham and add smoked tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Use vegetable broth to maintain depth of flavor.

5. How can I add more spice?
Add a pinch of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of smoked paprika to increase heat. Adjust gradually to suit your taste.

6. Can I freeze Cowboy Cabbage?
Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.