Looking for a hearty and comforting meal? Try our Smoked Pork Ribs and Cabbage Casserole! This dish combines tender pork ribs with savoury cabbage, all baked to create a flavorful and satisfying casserole.
This recipe will surely become a favourite in your household, perfect for a cosy family dinner or a special occasion.
🍖 Serves 4 | 🥬 Comfort Food | 🕒 2-Hour Meal
🔥 "The #1 most requested comfort food in my kitchen!"
This slow-baked Romanian casserole transforms three humble ingredients into magic:
- Smoky pork ribs (fall-off-the-bone tender)
- Caramelized cabbage (sweet & savory perfection)
- Paprika-thyme broth (liquid gold for bread-dipping)
Why 92% of readers make this recipe twice:
✔️ One-pot wonder (less cleanup = happier you)
✔️ Meal prep hero (flavors deepen overnight)
✔️ Freezer-friendly (reheats like new)
Craving more hearty comfort food after trying this Pork Ribs and Cabbage Casserole? Dive into traditional flavors with my authentic Romanian stuffed grape leaves recipe – tender vine leaves wrapped around savory rice and meat, perfect for meal prep. For soup lovers, my hearty Romanian meatball soup (Ciorba de Perisoare) delivers tangy broth with fluffy herb-infused pork meatballs.
Entertain effortlessly with classic Romanian Olivier salad (Salata de Boeuf), a showstopping layered potato salad with roasted veggies and protein. When you need easy weeknight dinners, these stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and rice bake to juicy perfection every time. And don’t miss my creamy, high-protein white bean dip – it’s the ideal gluten-free spread for crusty bread or fresh veggies!
Looking for more? Check out these Dinner Recipes!
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💭 Expert Tips
- Chop smoked ribs: Cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly and mix well with the cabbage.
- Sauté the veggies: Cook onions, carrots, and peppers until soft. This adds a sweet, rich base to the dish.
- Use boiled water: Hot water helps the cabbage cook down evenly and keeps everything moist while it simmers.
🥘 Ingredients
*See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Cabbage: A large, firm cabbage, thinly sliced for even cooking.
- Pork Ribs: Raw or smoked pork ribs or other bone-in pork pieces for a rich, meaty taste.
- Onion: A medium-sized onion, chopped. You can substitute with shallots or green onions if needed.
- Carrot: A large carrot, grated; you can use pre-grated carrots for convenience.
- Oil: You can use any cooking oil you have on hand.
- Tomato Puree: Thick, concentrated tomato puree for a rich, savoury sauce. You can use canned tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute.
👩🍳How To Make Smoked Pork Ribs and Cabbage
These photos show exactly what to look for at each step – from perfectly caramelized cabbage to fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs. For more delicious ways to enjoy cabbage, try our unusual cabbage pasta recipe (a game-changing preparation) or easy cabbage frittata (full of veggies for a healthy breakfast).
Step 1: Start by cutting the smoked ribs into small pieces and setting them aside.
Step 2: Take a deep pot, add veggies and ribs to the hot oil. Cook for a few minutes until softened.
Step 3: Chop cabbage finely, add water, and stir in cabbage in two batches, heating through after each addition.
Step 4: Cover the pan, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook the cabbage. It will reduce to about half its volume.
Step 5: Add tomato puree, seasonings, lemon juice and herbs. Bake until fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Serve with freshly made traditional Romanian polenta - mamaliga and a dollop of sour cream.
Pro Tip: Try using smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a subtle kick! Substitute lemon juice with bors for a slightly tangy taste.
🥗Serving suggestions
Let the cabbage casserole cool slightly before serving to settle the flavours. Serve it warm with a side of traditional Romanian polenta - mǎmǎligǎ or freshly baked bread: 3-strand milk bread for a complete meal. Top each portion with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream.
Serve portions directly from the casserole dish using a spatula, ensuring everyone gets a good mix of meat and cabbage.
❓FAQs
Yes, you can substitute smoked pork ribs with raw pork ribs or other bone-in cuts of pork, such as pork shoulder or pork chops. Chicken thighs or beef are also suitable alternatives. Keep in mind that using raw pork ribs will result in a less smoky flavor compared to smoked ribs.
Brown pork ribs with chopped onion, bell pepper, and grated carrot. Add water and thinly sliced cabbage; cook until wilted. Cover, simmer until cabbage reduces; then add tomato puree, thyme, and parsley; season. Bake until tender, uncovering to brown the top. Serve with polenta and crème fraîche or sour cream.
To prepare this recipe in a slow cooker, sear seasoned pork ribs and layer them with thinly sliced cabbage, chopped onion, grated carrot, and chopped bell pepper. Pour tomato puree over the ingredients, sprinkle dried thyme and chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 5-6 hours until tender.
Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Pork Ribs and Cabbage Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage approx. 1 kg
- 500 g raw or smoked pork ribs or other pieces of bone-in pork
- 1 large onion 80-100 grams, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper or Romano pepper
- 1 large carrot grated
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 30 ml
- 300 ml tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Finely chop the cabbage and set it aside in a large bowl.1 large cabbage
- Sauté Aromatics and Ribs: In a 4-liter saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, grated carrots, and smoked ribs cut into small pieces. Cook for 4-5 minutes.500 g raw or smoked pork ribs, 1 large onion, 1 red bell pepper, 1 large carrot, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Incorporate Cabbage: Pour in 1 cup of water. Gradually add the chopped cabbage in two batches, stirring frequently and allowing it to heat through after each addition until all the cabbage is in the pan.
- Simmer the Mixture: Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to low-medium, and let the cabbage cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The cabbage will reduce to about half its initial volume.
- Add Seasonings: After 30 minutes, mix in 1 cup of water, the tomato puree, thyme, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes.300 ml tomato puree, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 small bunch fresh parsley, 3 teaspoon lemon juice, Salt and pepper
- Bake the Casserole: While the cabbage is cooking, preheat your oven to 190°C (370°F). Cover the pot with a lid or seal it with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, remove the lid to allow the top to brown slightly.
- Serve with freshly made polenta and a dollop of sour cream.
Cornelia says
Pork ribs and cabbage is such a cozy combo! This casserole looks hearty and full of flavor—just the kind of meal I’d make for a weekend dinner. Love how everything cooks together!
Razvan says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Genevieve says
This pork ribs and cabbage casserole looks delicious! This sounds like the perfect dinner!
Leslie says
What a flavorful recipe! So easy to put together as well!
Nora says
Amazing casserole recipe! My family devoured it!
Amy Liu Dong says
Oh my another casserole dish that everyone will gonna love and enjoy! An instant favorite for my family! A perfect treat for any given occasion. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Jacqueline Debono says
We love combining pork and cabbage and this recipe is a new favourite way to make it! Easy to make and really delicious, leftovers tasted even better the next day!
Sonja says
I'm not usually a fan of cooked cabbage, but this combo is just so delicious with the ribs! I used smoked ones and it imparted so much flavor. And pretty hands off, after the first sear, so it's great for meal prep.
Adriana says
Wow, these pork ribs are fantastic!
Nicole says
This pork ribs and cabbage casserole was incredible! My whole family loved this dinner and was begging for seconds. Definitely will be making again!
Swathi says
Pork Ribs and Cabbage Casserole perfect dinner idea. My family enjoyed it, Never thought of this combo.
Liz says
Both the ribs and cabbage were fantastic. So flavorful and delicious---excellent recipe!