Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage

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Description

Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage is a hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly one-pot meal. With tender chunks of cabbage, creamy potatoes, and smoky sausage all simmered together in flavorful broth, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while keeping cleanup easy.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped

  • 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (red or gold), halved

  • 1 large onion, sliced

  • 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into rounds

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients – Chop the cabbage, halve the potatoes, slice the sausage and onion, and mince the garlic.

  2. Layer in the slow cooker – Place potatoes and onion on the bottom, followed by cabbage, then sausage on top.

  3. Season – Sprinkle in garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil or butter.

  4. Add broth – Pour chicken broth evenly over everything.

  5. Cook – Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and cabbage is soft.

  6. Finish & Serve – Stir gently, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use red potatoes for a firmer texture; Yukon golds will be creamier.

  • Smoked sausage brings rich flavor, but you can swap for turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage.

  • For extra depth, sauté the onions, garlic, and sausage in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.

  • A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors.

Tips

  • Don’t overfill the slow cooker; cabbage shrinks a lot as it cooks.

  • Add carrots or celery for more veggies.

  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy andouille sausage.

  • For a thicker broth, mash a few potatoes at the end of cooking.

Servings

  • Makes 6 servings (hearty bowl portions).

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 320

  • Protein: 15g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Fiber: 5g

  • Sodium: 940mg

Benefits

  • Balanced comfort food – Provides protein, carbs, and fiber in one dish.

  • Budget-friendly – Simple ingredients make it cost-effective.

  • Nutrient-rich – Cabbage and potatoes offer vitamins C, B6, and potassium.

  • Convenient – Hands-off slow cooker recipe for busy days.

  • Customizable – Easily adapted for vegetarian or lower-sodium diets.

Q&A

Q: Can I use purple cabbage instead of green?
A: Yes! Purple cabbage works fine but may change the color of the broth.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, though potatoes can get slightly grainy after freezing. Best consumed fresh or refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Q: What sausage works best?
A: Smoked kielbasa is traditional, but andouille adds spice, while turkey sausage is a leaner option.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Swap sausage with vegetarian smoked sausage or white beans for a protein boost.

Q: How do I thicken the broth?
A: Mash a few potatoes at the end or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

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