Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes: An Easy and Hearty Meal

This Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes: An Easy and Hearty Meal is a delightful dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want a comforting meal without the fuss. The combination of tender sausage, hearty potatoes, and savory cabbage creates a satisfying one-pot wonder that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation – Simply chop your ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it do the work!
• Rich Flavor – The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with taste.
• Versatile Meal – Enjoy it as a main course or serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly – This hearty dish is sure to please both adults and kids alike.
• Perfect for Leftovers – Great as next-day lunches or quick dinners, making it ideal for meal prepping!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier. Here are the essentials you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker – This is the heart of the recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over time.
• Cutting board – A sturdy cutting surface ensures safe chopping of vegetables and sausage without slipping.
• Sharp knife – A good knife makes slicing through vegetables quick and easy, saving you time in preparation.

Ingredients

For this flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Main Dish

• 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For Seasoning

• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1/2 tsp salt (more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

For Cooking

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread (for serving)

How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes: An Easy and Hearty Meal

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Slice the sausage into rounds.
• Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
• Chop the cabbage and slice the onion. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

• Add the sliced sausage, diced potatoes, chopped cabbage, sliced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Season Your Dish

• Drizzle with olive oil.
• Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and dried thyme.

Step 4: Add Liquid

• Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the slow cooker, ensuring everything is lightly covered.

Step 5: Cook Your Meal

• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender, the cabbage is soft, and the sausage is cooked through.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Give everything a good stir and taste. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Enjoy this satisfying meal that’s perfect any day of the week!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes: An Easy and Hearty Meal

Serving your Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes is as simple as it is delightful. This dish provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth. Choose a sourdough or whole grain for added flavor.

Fresh Green Salad

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the hearty main dish. Consider using mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.

Applesauce

• Sweet applesauce provides a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the dish. It’s particularly appealing for those who enjoy a sweet-and-savory combination.

Pickled Vegetables

• Adding pickled vegetables can introduce a zesty crunch that brightens each bite. Try pickled red onions or cucumber slices for an extra zing.

Garlic Bread

• For an even heartier meal, serve with garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the dish beautifully.

Steamed Green Beans

• Lightly steamed green beans add color and nutrition to your plate while keeping the meal balanced and wholesome.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes: An Easy and Hearty Meal

Perfecting this dish ensures every bite is delicious. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.

• Choose Quality Sausage: Selecting high-quality sausage will significantly impact the flavor. Look for smoked or seasoned varieties that suit your palate.

• Cut Ingredients Evenly: Ensuring all ingredients are cut uniformly helps them cook evenly in the slow cooker. Aim for similar sizes for potatoes and sausage pieces.

• Layer Wisely: Place denser vegetables like potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure they cook thoroughly without becoming mushy.

• Adjust Seasonings: Tasting before serving allows you to adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference. Don’t hesitate to experiment!

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes: An Easy and Hearty Meal

While this main dish is hearty on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent side dish options:

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil and seasonings before roasting until crispy. Their nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the main dish.

2. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth texture that complements the chunky cabbage and sausage mixture beautifully.

3. Sweet Potato Wedges
   Baked sweet potato wedges offer a sweet contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.

4. Coleslaw
   A fresh coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that balance out the hearty flavors of cabbage and sausage.

5. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread makes an excellent accompaniment, adding warmth and comfort to your dinner table.

6. Grilled Asparagus
   Lightly grilled asparagus offers a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the dish’s richness while adding vibrant color to your plate.

7. Herbed Quinoa
   Fluffy quinoa cooked with herbs presents a nutritious option that absorbs flavors well without overpowering other dishes.

8. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits adds brightness to your meal while providing a healthy option for dessert-like sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow cooking can be a simple way to create a hearty meal, but there are common mistakes that can affect your dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Bold preparation: Not prepping your ingredients properly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to chop vegetables and slice sausage uniformly for best results.
• Bold overfilling: Overloading the slow cooker can prevent proper cooking. Stick to recommended ingredient amounts to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
• Bold skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season your ingredients can leave your dish bland. Always taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
• Bold ignoring cook times: Cooking on high for too long can lead to mushy vegetables. Follow the recommended cook times for optimal texture and flavor.
• Bold not stirring: Failing to stir occasionally can result in uneven cooking. Give your dish a gentle stir midway through the cooking time for even flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Freezing Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes: An Easy and Hearty Meal

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes: An Easy and Hearty Meal

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some common queries about making Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes.

What type of sausage works best in this recipe?

You can use any smoked sausage or kielbasa you prefer. Chicken or turkey sausage is also a great option for a lighter meal.

Can I customize the vegetables in Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers based on your taste preferences.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Ensure that your sausage is gluten-free and use gluten-free broth if needed. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes?

Cooking on low takes about 6-7 hours, while cooking on high lasts around 3-4 hours until everything is tender.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes recipe is not only easy but also versatile. You can customize it with different proteins or veggies based on what you have at home. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a warm meal waiting for you!

Print

Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes: An Easy and Hearty Meal

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Slow Cooker Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes is an effortless and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. This hearty one-pot meal features tender sausage, nutritious cabbage, and creamy potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal prep time, simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The rich flavors meld beautifully, ensuring every bite is savory and satisfying. Ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a fulfilling dinner without the hassle, this dish also makes excellent leftovers, perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb smoked sausage (chicken or turkey)
• 4 medium potatoes
• 1 small head of cabbage
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Seasonings: salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Crusty bread (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. 1. Slice the sausage into rounds and prepare the vegetables by peeling and dicing the potatoes, chopping the cabbage, slicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.
2. 2. In a slow cooker, combine sliced sausage, diced potatoes, chopped cabbage, sliced onion, and minced garlic.
3. 3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and dried thyme.
4. 4. Pour in chicken broth to cover the ingredients lightly.
5. 5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until everything is tender.
6. 6. Stir gently before serving; garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

• Author: Diary
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 60mg