Ham and Cabbage

This one pan Ham and Cabbage is made in just 30 minutes with 4 simple ingredients. A healthy and flavorful easy dinner or side dish recipe that’s perfect for using leftover ham or bacon. This is truly a favorite comfort food recipe in our family all year round!

This hearty Southern staple is a go-to for our family, especially around St. Patrick’s day and during the spring holidays. It’s quick and easy to make, full of flavor and so versatile. Cabbage and Ham is the perfect standout side or it can be served as an exciting main course.

A comfort food classic your whole crowd will love, this is a one-pot recipe that’s quick to come together, and is also bound to become a favorite in your family. The best part? There’s almost no clean-up and with only a handful of basic ingredients, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress without breaking the bank.

if you love easy, one pan dinner recipes like this one, a few of our other favorites are our Taco Pasta, One Pan Spanish Rice, and Pork Chops and Gravy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Recipe: This dish comes together quickly in just one pan so minimal dishes are needed and clean-up is easy!
• Affordable: With only 4 simple ingredients and pantry staples you already have, this recipe is wallet-friendly and delicious.
• 30 Minute Main Course or Side Dish: In just a few steps and minimal prep, you’ll have a healthy dish full of flavor on the table in no time. Whether it’s a main course or a side, this is an easy recipe anyone can prepare.
• Great Leftover Ham Recipe: Transform leftover ham, bacon or pancetta into a brand-new, satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Cabbage: One of the main ingredients, we used green cabbage – it’s hearty, easy to find at the store, and has great flavor and texture. Feel free to use purple if you have it on hand.
• Onions: A key aromatic – sweet onions add a nice depth of flavor with a subtle sweetness to enhance the other ingredients in this dish, but yellow or red would also be complimentary.
• Ham Steak: Adds the key flavor and smokiness to this dish. You can use deli ham, bacon or pancetta for a similar and delicious flavor profile, too.
• Bacon Grease or Olive Oil: The fat for this recipe – olive oil, bacon grease or even butter work perfectly to create the richness you’ll want in this recipe

Tools You’ll Need

• 5.5 Quart Skillet or Stockpot
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Wooden Cooking Spoon

How To Make Ham and Cabbage

1. Chop cabbage and onion into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Slice the ham steak in squares slightly smaller than a dice.

2. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat your fat of choice over medium heat until hot.
3. Add the diced ham steak to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham starts to brown slightly.

4. Once the ham is browned, add onion and sauté 1 minute. 

5. Add the chopped cabbage, and stir to combine all of the ingredients.

6. Season the mixture with a seasoning salt blend or salt and pepper, to taste. You can adjust the amount of pepper according to your preference.

7. Cook the cabbage and onion mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is very soft and wilted. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. During that time, cover the pan with a lid for 1-3 minutes to lock in the steam and tenderize the veggies.
8. Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired level of tenderness, remove the pan from the heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve this as a delicious side dish or as the main course.

Expert Tips and Substitutions

• Prep and cut your cabbage before cooking. Remove and discard outer leaves, then carefully slice bottom of the cabbage to create a flat surface. Cut head in half, then remove the tough center core. Chop leaves into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Increase cabbage cook time for different textures. If you like a little bite, sauté cabbage for a shorter period of time. If you prefer it more tender, let cabbage simmer longer to cook down and soften.
• Season as you go. Season generously with salt and pepper, and taste as you go. Feel free to add any other additional spices you enjoy, too!
• Swap sweet onions for yellow onions. Use yellow onions for a sharper, tangier note.
• Add a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavor. We like apple cider vinegar, but a tablespoon or two of any type at the very end of cooking, right before it’s time to serve, gives this dish an extra flavor punch.
• Use another meat other than ham. We also love bacon and pancetta for this recipe too! The fat that renders is so delicious mixed with the cabbage. Kielbasa and Cabbage is also an excellent combination!

Storage

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, cool and bring to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Be sure to enjoy within a few days after storing.

Freezing: It’s best to enjoy this dish right after cooking for the best texture. We recommend not freezing this recipe as it will compromise the texture.

Reheating Leftovers: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a drizzle of olive oil or pat of butter if needed.

FAQs

More Delicious One Pan Recipes

• One Pan Spanish Rice
• One Pan Pasta
• Taco Pasta
• Pork Chops and Gravy