Slow Cooker Cabbage and Sausage

This Slow Cooker Cabbage and Sausage is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal made with smoky sausage, tender cabbage, potatoes, onions, and a flavorful garlic-herb broth. It’s an easy, budget-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights and requires very little prep.

📝 Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped into large pieces
• 1½ lbs (700 g) baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage (Optional)

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown the sausage slices for 3–4 minutes until lightly caramelized. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Layer in the potatoes.

Add the chopped cabbage.

Top with the browned sausage slices.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Chicken broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (if using)

Pour the broth evenly over the ingredients.

Dot the top with butter.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook:

• LOW: 6–7 hours
• HIGH: 3–4 hours

The cabbage should be tender, the potatoes fork-tender, and the sausage heated through.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Gently stir everything together.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Warm cornbread
• Crusty artisan bread
• Garden salad
• Steamed green beans
• Pickles or sauerkraut

💡 Tips

• Use turkey or chicken smoked sausage for a lighter version.
• Add sliced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
• Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving for a richer broth.
• Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
• Total Time: About 7 hours
• Servings: 6

🥘 Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 395
• Protein: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 860mg