Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage & Cabbage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and naturally sweet flavors from slow-cooked cabbage and sausage. It requires minimal prep, uses affordable ingredients, and is ideal for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s low-carb, naturally gluten-free, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced
• Green cabbage, cored and chopped
• Onion, sliced
• Carrots, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the sliced smoked sausage in olive oil or butter for added flavor. This step is optional but enhances the dish.
2. In the bottom of your slow cooker, layer the cabbage, carrots, onion, and garlic.
3. Place the browned sausage on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth until it covers about two-thirds of the mixture.
5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and flavors are well combined.
7. Stir before serving, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 and takes about 15 minutes of prep time with a cook time of 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.

Variations

• Add Potatoes: Include diced red or Yukon gold potatoes for a heartier stew-like texture.
• Spicy Twist: Use spicy andouille sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and sausage to reduce salt levels.
• More Veggies: Add bell peppers, celery, or green beans to bulk it up.
• Apple Touch: Stir in chopped apples for a hint of sweetness that pairs well with cabbage and sausage.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well—cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Do I need to brown the sausage first?

No, but it adds extra flavor and helps prevent the sausage from becoming too soft.

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Yes, but red cabbage will give the dish a different color and slightly earthier taste.

What kind of sausage works best?

Fully cooked smoked sausage like kielbasa or andouille works great.

Is this dish low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and suitable for keto diets when potatoes are omitted.

Can I cook it on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for 3–4 hours instead of low for 6–7 hours.

How do I keep the cabbage from getting too soft?

Add the cabbage halfway through cooking if you prefer a firmer texture.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use a plant-based smoked sausage and vegetable broth.

What should I serve with this?

It’s great on its own or served with crusty bread, cornbread, or over rice.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage & Cabbage is a simple, satisfying recipe perfect for busy days and chilly nights. With its tender vegetables, smoky sausage, and flavorful broth, it’s a no-fuss meal that delivers big on taste. Throw everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a hearty dinner that everyone will love.

Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage & Cabbage

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A cozy and hearty slow cooker meal made with smoked sausage, tender cabbage, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for busy days and cold nights.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced
• 1 medium green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the sliced smoked sausage for 3–4 minutes. This step is optional but adds flavor.
2. In the bottom of a slow cooker, layer the chopped cabbage, carrots, onion, and garlic.
3. Place the browned sausage on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour in the broth until it covers about two-thirds of the mixture.
5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until cabbage is tender and flavors are well combined.
7. Stir before serving, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Notes

• Add potatoes for a more filling, stew-like texture.
• Use spicy andouille sausage for added heat.
• For a sweeter twist, add chopped apple in the last hour of cooking.
• This recipe freezes well and is ideal for meal prep.
• Substitute red cabbage for a slightly different flavor and color.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 50mg