Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker recipe combining tender cabbage, smoky sausage, and savory spices for an easy, comforting meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
Sausage
- 14 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Begin by layering the chopped cabbage, sliced onions, minced garlic, and sliced carrots in the bottom of your large slow cooker. This creates a flavorful vegetable base.
- Add the sausage: Place the sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa evenly over the layered vegetables to infuse a smoky flavor during cooking.
- Season the ingredients: Sprinkle paprika, black pepper, salt, and optional crushed red pepper flakes over the sausage and vegetables for balanced seasoning and a mild kick.
- Add liquids and fat: Drizzle olive oil or melted butter on top, then pour in apple cider vinegar and chicken broth. These liquids help keep the dish moist and add tangy depth.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Finish and serve: Gently stir the cooked dish before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Use smoked sausage or kielbasa for best authentic flavor; chicken sausage can be substituted for a leaner option.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or steamed rice.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, verify the sausage used is certified gluten-free.
