Name: Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef or sausage; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cans (15 oz each) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped

If you’re searching for a meal that wraps you in warmth and tradition, this Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage recipe is your answer. Packed with earthy legumes, tender cabbage leaves, and savory seasonings, it’s the kind of soul-satisfying dish that brings people together around the table. Whether it’s the New Year or a cozy Sunday evening, this bowl is a celebration of comfort and good fortune.

Rooted in Southern cooking, black-eyed peas and cabbage are more than just ingredients—they’re symbols of prosperity and resilience. The flavors here are simple but rich, with the broth soaking up all the goodness of the vegetables and spices. Each spoonful tells a story of home-cooked heritage, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

What Kind of Cabbage Should I Use?

Green cabbage works best for this recipe. Its sturdy leaves hold up well in the simmering broth without turning mushy. You can use Savoy cabbage for a more delicate texture or even Napa cabbage if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to chop it into hearty chunks so it melds beautifully with the peas and broth.

Ingredients for the Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage

Black-Eyed Peas: The star of the show. These legumes bring a creamy, nutty bite and are full of fiber and protein.
Green Cabbage: Adds heartiness and texture, soaking up the flavor of the broth.
Ground Beef or Sausage: For a rich, meaty base that adds depth to the dish. You can go meatless for a vegan version.
Diced Tomatoes: They offer acidity and color, brightening up the overall flavor.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics create a savory base for the soup.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Infuses the entire dish with rich flavor. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Smoked Paprika & Cayenne: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky kick.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, bringing balance to the dish.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and meat.

How To Make the Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef or sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once cooked, drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Stir and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to allow the spices to coat the meat and aromatics.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Add your chicken or vegetable broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Stir in the Black-Eyed Peas

Add the black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed if using canned) to the pot. Stir well and let them cook in the broth for about 10 more minutes so they soak up all the rich flavors.

Step 6: Add the Cabbage

Tuck in the chopped cabbage chunks, stirring gently to combine. Simmer everything for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but not mushy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. A slice of cornbread or crusty bread on the side makes it even better!

How to Serve and Store This Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage

Serve this stew-like dish piping hot in deep bowls, ideally with a slice of warm cornbread, garlic toast, or even over a scoop of white rice for an extra filling meal. It’s also delicious with a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a touch of brightness.

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Skip the meat and use vegetable broth. You can add extra veggies like carrots, celery, or mushrooms for more heartiness.

Can I use dry black-eyed peas instead of canned?

Yes! Just soak them overnight and cook them separately until tender before adding them to the soup. It adds more time but brings great flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild warmth from the smoked paprika and cayenne, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

What if I don’t have diced tomatoes?

You can substitute with crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Just reduce the quantity slightly to avoid overpowering the broth.

Does this recipe taste better the next day?

Yes! Like many soups and stews, the flavors deepen overnight. It’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Want More Comfort Food Recipes?

If you loved this Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage dish, here are some other heartwarming meals to cozy up with:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for cheesy, indulgent pasta cravings.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole when you want veggies and comfort in one bite.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage for easy weeknight cooking.
Creamy Shrimp Chowder if you’re craving something coastal and creamy.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta to mix protein and comfort food elegance.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Life with Nina Pinterest Recipes

I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you make it spicy or keep it mild? Add extra veggies or swap out the meat?

Let me know in the comments and share your personal twist—your feedback helps the whole community cook better and tastier meals!

Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern

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Description

This hearty Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage recipe is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. Made with flavorful black-eyed peas, tender cabbage, ground meat (or sausage), and simmered in a spiced tomato broth, it’s a one-pot comfort meal rich in Southern tradition. It’s easy to make, packed with fiber and protein, and absolutely satisfying from the first spoonful to the last.