Slow Cooker Cabbage & Smoked Sausage
Description
Slow Cooker Cabbage & Smoked Sausage is a simple, hearty, and comforting dish that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Tender cabbage slowly cooks in a savory, seasoned broth alongside juicy slices of smoked sausage, creating a warm and satisfying meal. The slow cooking process allows the cabbage to soften perfectly while absorbing the smoky, garlicky flavors from the sausage and broth. This dish is budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s rustic, flavorful, and ideal for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped into wedges
- 400–500 g smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Broth:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 potatoes, chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Chop cabbage into wedges, slice sausage, and dice onion and garlic.
- Layer slow cooker: Place cabbage at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by sausage slices, onion, and garlic.
- Add broth: Pour chicken broth evenly over the ingredients. Add butter and drizzle olive oil on top.
- Season: Sprinkle paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over everything.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until cabbage is tender and sausage is heated through.
- Stir & serve: Gently stir before serving to combine flavors. Serve hot with some of the flavorful broth.
Tips, Notes & Q&A
- Do not overcook; cabbage should be soft but not mushy.
- Browning sausage before adding can enhance flavor.
- Add potatoes for a more filling, complete meal.
- Use kielbasa or any smoked sausage for variation.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A: Yes, simmer everything in a pot for about 30–40 minutes until tender.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 2 months, though cabbage texture may soften.
Q: Is it low-carb?
A: Yes, especially if you skip potatoes.
Servings & Nutrition (Approx.)
- Servings: 4–5
- Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
- Protein: 14 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
