If you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing slow cooker meal, this cabbage dump-and-go recipe is simple, hearty, and surprisingly addictive.
🥬 Slow Cooker Cabbage & Sausage Stew
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or turkey sausage), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2–3 carrots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add chopped cabbage to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer sausage, onion, carrots, and garlic on top.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook:
- Low: 6–7 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
- Stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Why Guests Love It
- Cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet.
- Sausage adds smoky, savory flavor.
- It’s comforting, filling, and even better the next day.
Optional Add-Ins
- A splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Potatoes for a heartier version
- A spoonful of sour cream on top before serving
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a meal people will request again and again.
If you’d like, I can also give you a creamy, cheesy cabbage slow cooker version that tastes even more indulgent.