Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker cabbage and sausage dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal. Tender cabbage slowly cooked with smoked sausage, onions, garlic, and carrots, seasoned with paprika, black pepper, and a hint of apple cider vinegar for a tangy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
Meat
- 14 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
Seasonings & 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
- Layer Vegetables: In a large slow cooker, layer the chopped cabbage, sliced onions, minced garlic, and sliced carrots evenly, creating a base for the flavors to meld together.
- Add Sausage: Place the sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa over the vegetables to ensure its flavors infuse throughout the dish as it cooks.
- Season: Sprinkle the paprika, black pepper, salt, and optional crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the ingredients to add depth and a subtle spice to the dish.
- Add Liquids: Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter for richness, then pour in the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth to provide moisture and tang.
- Cook: 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 are well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Stir gently before serving to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary for a perfect balance.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage or kielbasa to add a smoky and savory depth to the dish.
- Adjust the seasoning and spice levels according to your preference, especially the crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain the texture of the cabbage.
