Here’s a crowd-pleasing slow cooker cabbage dish that’s cozy, flavorful, and gets better every time you make it.
🥬 Slow Cooker Cabbage & Smoked Sausage Stew
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6–8 cups)
- 14 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa), sliced
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (stir in at the end)
Instructions
- Layer it up: Add potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, and sausage to the slow cooker.
- Top with chopped cabbage.
- Pour in tomatoes and broth. Add paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook:
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavor. Adjust seasoning and serve.
🔥 Make It Even Better
- Brown the sausage first for deeper flavor.
- Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a subtle kick.
- Stir in a splash of cream at the end for richness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
🌱 Vegetarian Option
Swap sausage for:
- 1 can white beans or kidney beans
- 1 cup lentils
- Use vegetable broth
Serve with crusty bread and let it rest 10–15 minutes before serving — cabbage absorbs flavor beautifully.
If you’d like, I can also give you a creamy version or a spicy Southern-style variation.
