Crockpot Hearty Dirty Cabbage with Beef and Sausage

There’s something about a big pot of cabbage simmering away in the slow cooker that makes the whole house feel a little warmer. It’s simple, hearty food—the kind that doesn’t need anything fancy to make everyone happy.

I first tried this recipe after a family member told me about their version of “dirty cabbage” made with ground beef and sausage. I was curious because cabbage has always been one of those vegetables I enjoy much more when it’s cooked low and slow with plenty of savory flavor.

So, one weekend, I decided to give it a try.

I browned the beef and sausage, chopped up a mountain of cabbage, tossed everything into the crockpot, and let dinner take care of itself. A few hours later, the smell coming from the kitchen was absolutely irresistible. My family kept asking when we could eat, and once it finally hit the table, everyone loved it.

Now, this is one of those meals I make when I want something comforting without spending my entire evening in the kitchen. It’s especially good on busy days, chilly weekends, or those evenings when you just need a big bowl of something warm and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cabbage

This isn’t fancy food—and that’s exactly why I love it.

The combination of seasoned ground beef, smoky sausage, tender cabbage, onions, and garlic creates a rich, savory flavor that makes humble ingredients taste like something special.

The slow cooker does most of the work, too. Once the meat is browned and everything is chopped, you can let it simmer while you get on with your day.

And don’t be surprised if someone who claims they “don’t like cabbage” asks for seconds. I’ve seen it happen!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 large head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed for browning

How to Make Crockpot Hearty Dirty Cabbage

1. Brown the beef and sausage

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the sliced smoked sausage and let it cook for a few minutes until the sausage develops a little color around the edges.

Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

This little bit of extra stovetop work is worth it. Browning the meat first gives the finished dish a much deeper, more savory flavor.

2. Prepare the cabbage

While the meat is cooking, chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.

Don’t worry if it looks like you have way too much cabbage. It seems to take over the entire slow cooker at first, but it cooks down considerably.

This is one of those moments when I always think, There is absolutely no way all of this is going to fit.

And somehow, it does.

3. Add everything to the crockpot

Lightly grease your slow cooker if desired.

Add the chopped cabbage, browned beef and sausage mixture, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste.

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

Finally, add the Worcestershire sauce.

Give everything a good stir. Don’t worry if the cabbage is piled high—just press it down gently.

4. Slow cook until tender

Cover and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, stirring once or twice if you’re around.

The cabbage should become tender while still holding enough texture to keep the dish hearty.

I prefer cooking it on LOW when I have the time. The flavors seem to blend beautifully, and there’s something wonderfully comforting about knowing dinner is slowly taking care of itself.

5. Taste and serve

Once the cabbage is tender, give everything a good stir and taste.

Adjust the salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.

Serve it hot in generous bowls, preferably with a little extra sausage and beef in every serving.

My Tips for the Best Dirty Cabbage

Brown the meat first. You could technically skip this step, but I wouldn’t. Browning creates those flavorful bits that make the whole dish taste richer.

Don’t add too much broth. Cabbage releases quite a bit of liquid as it cooks. The goal is a moist, savory dish rather than cabbage soup.

Use smoked sausage. It adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the beef and cabbage.

Adjust the heat to your family. I usually keep the red pepper flakes modest, then add hot sauce at the table for anyone who wants extra heat.

Let it rest briefly. If you can wait about 10 minutes after cooking, the flavors settle and the dish thickens slightly.

What to Serve With It

Honestly, this cabbage dish is filling enough to serve on its own.

But if I’m feeding a hungry family, I’ll usually add something simple on the side. Cornbread is one of my favorite choices because it soaks up the savory juices beautifully.

You could also serve it with:

• Warm dinner rolls
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice
• Cornbread
• A simple green salad
• Steamed green beans

Sometimes I keep it really simple and just put a loaf of crusty bread on the table.

Can I Use Different Meat?

Absolutely.

Ground beef and smoked sausage are my favorite combination because they give the dish plenty of flavor, but you can easily change things depending on what you have in the refrigerator.

Try ground turkey for a lighter version, or use a different smoked sausage such as kielbasa.

You can also increase the sausage and reduce the ground beef if you really love that smoky sausage flavor.

Can I Make This Ahead?

Yes, and it’s actually a great meal for leftovers.

Once cooled, store the cabbage and meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may want to add a small splash of beef broth if it seems dry.

I think the leftovers taste even better the next day because all those savory flavors have had extra time to mingle.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to about 2–3 months.

For the best texture, let the dish cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

The cabbage may be a little softer after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition will vary depending on the type of sausage, ground beef, and brands of canned ingredients you use. The following is an approximate estimate based on 8 servings.

The Kind of Dinner That Feels Like Home

There are meals that impress people, and then there are meals that simply make people feel good.

This is definitely the second kind.

The first time I made this crockpot dirty cabbage, I wasn’t expecting it to become such a favorite. I thought I was just putting together an easy weekend dinner. Instead, I ended up with everyone gathered around the table, going back for another helping and talking about how good the kitchen smelled.

That’s what I love about recipes like this. They’re made with everyday ingredients, but somehow they turn into something that feels special.

Whether you’re making it on a slow Sunday, after a stressful day, or simply because you want a warm and filling meal waiting for you at dinner time, this hearty cabbage with beef and sausage is one recipe worth keeping close.

And if your family fights over the leftovers the next day, don’t say I didn’t warn you! :::