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A close-up view of crockpot cabbage and sausage, showing the texture of the tender vegetables and smoked kielbasa.

Slow Cooker Cabbage and Sausage: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

An easy, flavorful, and hearty one-pot meal featuring tender cabbage and savory smoked sausage, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound smoked sausage (kielbasa) sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 medium head green cabbage roughly chopped
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker (6-quart)
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Knife

Method
 

  1. Start by slicing the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds. Roughly chop the head of cabbage and dice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Place half of the chopped cabbage on the bottom of your slow cooker. Top it with the diced onion, minced garlic, and the sliced sausage. Add the remaining cabbage on top.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cabbage should be tender and the flavors deeply combined.

Notes

For extra flavor, briefly sear the sausage slices in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
Do not overcook the cabbage, as it can become mushy. Check for tenderness around the 3-hour mark on high or 6-hour mark on low.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.