When the summer heat rolls in, no one wants to be stuck over a hot stove—but that doesn’t mean you have to give up hearty, home-cooked meals. This Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage recipe is the perfect balance of satisfying and simple.
It’s full of tender potatoes, sweet cabbage, and smoky sausage—all cooked together in one pot until meltingly soft and infused with flavor.
This rustic dish delivers all the comfort of a Sunday supper, with none of the fuss. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and return to a warm, comforting meal that tastes like it’s been tended to all day.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Effortless: Throw it in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
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One pot magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
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Great for summer: No oven, no stovetop—keep your kitchen cool.
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Versatile: Serve as a hearty main or a crowd-pleasing side.
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Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
📝 Ingredients (6 Servings)
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½ head green cabbage, cut into chunks
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5–6 medium potatoes, cut into large chunks (Yukon Gold or red work great)
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1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
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1 small onion, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups chicken broth
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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1 tbsp butter (for extra richness, optional)
⏱ Prep & Cook Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time (Low): 6–7 hours
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Cook Time (High): 3–4 hours
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Total Time: ~6–8 hours (hands-off!)
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Yield: 6 servings
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Wash and chop cabbage, potatoes, and sausage. Slice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
Layer potatoes on the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with sausage, cabbage, onion, and garlic. Pour chicken broth over everything.
Step 3: Season and Cook
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Dot with butter for a richer flavor.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and cabbage are tender and flavors meld.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Give everything a gentle stir and serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.
🌞 Why It Works for Summer
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Cool kitchen: No stovetop or oven needed.
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Perfect picnic fare: Easy to transport and stays warm in the slow cooker.
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Feeds a crowd: Double the recipe for reunions or potlucks.
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Make it once, eat all week: It reheats beautifully.
This dish is ideal for a lazy summer Sunday or as a hearty dinner after a long day of fun in the sun.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Add carrots: For extra sweetness and color.
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Make it spicy: Use andouille sausage or add crushed red pepper.
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Swap the sausage: Try kielbasa, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage.
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Low-sodium: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste.
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Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
This dish gets even better the next day as the flavors deepen—hello, easy leftovers!
🥬 Why Cabbage Deserves the Spotlight
Cabbage might be humble, but it’s a superstar in this dish. As it slow-cooks, it softens into silky ribbons, absorbing all the smoky, savory goodness from the sausage and broth. It’s:
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Affordable and easy to find year-round
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High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants
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Surprisingly sweet and buttery when cooked slowly
Pair it with the heartiness of potatoes and the spice of sausage, and you’ve got a match made in comfort food heaven.