Braised cabbage with rice is a filling dish that is made all in one pan. It makes for a perfectly healthy lunch or dinner and it reheats amazingly.

This recipe comes straight out of my mom’s kitchen. For special occasions or weekend dinners, she would whip this up for us and it was always just oh so comforting and guilt-free.
Cabbage was a staple in our home and there were so many different dishes I grew up with that use this inexpensive, but nourishing veggie as a base. From cabbage rolls to cabbage soup to pickled cabbage and beets and overnight sauerkraut, there is always a cabbage dish that fit my Ukrainian cravings.
Can you Eat Raw Cabbage?
If you like coleslaw, you like raw cabbage! Some people think the veggie is too thick to be eaten raw. I for one, disagree. It’s all about how you slice it. The thinner the better! I also find that cabbage salads keep their texture much longer than lettuce-based salads. See ya later soggy lettuce!
How do you Cut Cabbage?
You can chop your cabbage by hand with a sharp knife. Since we are braising the cabbage, it will cook down significantly so you can use larger pieces and be just fine.
If you are going to make a raw cabbage salad, I would recommend using a mandoline slicer.

Tips for Braised Cabbage
- Cook all the ingredients on high-heat. Once you add the rice, lower the heat so it has time to cook nicely.
- Substitute chicken with beef, lamb or pork if you so please. Just make sure to pick leaner cuts so your dish isn’t too greasy.
- Cut your carrots in larger pieces. They add a ton of flavor as they cook!
- Trying to go low-carb? Omit the rice and double up the shredded cabbage!
- If you like it a little spicy, add some red pepper flakes in.
More Quick Dinner Ideas…
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – The Classic Ukrainian recipe that will win you over!
- Rice Stuffed Chicken Thighs – Chicken is so crispy on the outside and juicy, while the rice is flavorful with all the chicken juices!
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi – Oh the job of creamy goodness!
Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a deep pan, preheat olive oil and add chicken, cook until each side is golden brown.
- Add onions and carrots to the chicken, sautée for about 10 minutes.
- To the cooking ingredients, add cabbage, rice, tomatoes and ketchup. Season with salt & pepper, adjust to taste.
- Reduce temperature to a medium-low. Cover with a lid and cook everything for about 30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes. If, while cooking, rice happens to absorb all juices from the cabbage, you may need to add a bit of water. Taste to make sure that rice is completely cooked.
Can I put it in slow cooker instead?
Hey Tiffany, yes you definitely can. Just adjust the cooking time!
What would I change if I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?
Hey Eric, The rice can get a bit too mushy if you use cooked rice.
Hi! Do you put the lid on the pot after you put the rice in?
You don't have to put a lid but it does cook quicker if you put a lid on.
Did you use chicken thigh in this recipe?
Hey Olga, yes you can. Enjoy
Love this recipe, reminds me of a dish my grandma used to make with pickled cabbage
Yes, mine did too. In the winter months, she used pickled cabbage, so good!
Did you try using the instant pot for this recipe?
Hey Tanya, I haven't, I think cabbage will get mushy in an instant pot.
Canola oil is one of leading causes of various cancers. Use organic olive or avocado oil instead.
Hey Tatyana, thanks for sharing that tip. Enjoy!
Hello Natalya,
Just wanted to leave a comment and say this dish is so good! Also my 1 year old loves it! This will definitely be on repeat for me! Thank you for this simple and delicious recipe!
Ilona, wow, 1-year-old loving it is a huge WIN! It makes me so happy to hear this. Thank you so much for sharing.
How big is the cabbage in weight
This part is very flexible, often I load it up with a lot more cabbage because it does shrink. But 2 lb is a good size.
Hi
Can this be made with brown rice?
Thanks!
Hey Mags, for sure! I love the idea of brown rice, it will be even healthier. It may require a bit of water because brown rice absorbs more liquid. Keep an eye on it, add a bit of water at a time.
I loved this dish, easy and quick to prepare, thanks so much, will definitely be making it again and again, I am sure 🙂
Hey Karyn, I am so happy you loved the recipe!
Hi Natalie,
I made this dish with beef, I braised it with a little bit of water for 20 min before adding vegetables. I also added 3/4cup of rice instead of 1/2. I had to add some water for the rice to cook up, but needless to say it turned out very delicious. I was surprised how much my kids loved it. They usually don’t eat cabbage rolls or thing with cooked cabbage. It made me so happy. I will make it again for sure. I’ll try it with chicken next time. Thank you 😊🤗
Yelena, this literally made my day. I totally can relate to feeding picky eaters and I am glad your kids loved this dish. Beef sounds delicious, my mom also made it with pork. Pork makes it a bit more fatty but still delicious.
hi Natalya, quick question: you fry everything for 40 minutes? with no water or anything?
As mentioned in the last step, you may need to add a little bit of water as the dish cooks. As you continue stirring every 10 minutes, you can see if it would need any water.
thanks:)
Made if for dinner tonight. I didn't have tomatoes so I substituted canned petite dicied tomatoes. And I added some other spices. (parsley, dill & garlic). Yummy will make it again.
Hey! Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoy it. This is my go to dish when ever I am busy. 🙂
Can you use ground meat (pork or chicken)?
I haven't tried using ground meat but if you cook it on a skillet prior to adding cabbage, I beleive it would work.
hi do you cook your rice first? or you add it raw to cabbage?
I add rice raw to the cabbage.