This easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cabbage Stew is packed with smoked sausage, tender cabbage, carrots, onions, and savory herbs. A cozy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Introduction
Honestly, this is exactly the kind of meal I love making when I want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Slow Cooker Sausage and Cabbage Stew is simple, cozy, and incredibly flavorful.
I usually make this when the weather is chilly or when I have a busy day ahead. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it simmer away, and by dinnertime the cabbage is tender, the carrots are soft, and the sausage has flavored the whole broth. It makes the kitchen smell amazing!
The combination of smoky sausage, sweet carrots, tender cabbage, and savory broth is surprisingly delicious. Plus, there’s very little cleanup afterward.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the ingredients
Start by slicing the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds. Chop the cabbage into chunky pieces, slice the carrots, and dice the onion.
I usually keep the cabbage pieces fairly large because they shrink quite a bit while cooking.
2. Add everything to the slow cooker
Place the cabbage, carrots, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Add the sliced sausage on top.
Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Season the stew
Add the thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Dot the top with butter or drizzle with olive oil.
Give everything a gentle stir so the seasonings are distributed throughout.
4. Slow cook
Cover and cook on:
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
The stew is ready when the cabbage and carrots are tender and the sausage is heated through.
5. Taste and adjust
Remove the bay leaf and taste the broth. Add a little more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.
I like finishing it with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley right before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Brown the sausage first: If you have a few extra minutes, brown the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. It gives the stew an even richer flavor.
- Don’t overfill the slow cooker: Leave enough room for the cabbage to cook down properly.
- Use smoked sausage: Kielbasa or another smoked sausage works especially well here.
- Watch the salt: Smoked sausage and broth can already be salty, so I usually season lightly at first.
- Want thicker stew? Remove the lid during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- For extra flavor: A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten the rich flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This stew is filling enough to serve on its own, but I especially like it with:
- Crusty French bread
- Garlic bread
- Cornbread
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- A simple green salad
A little freshly chopped parsley on top makes the finished dish look extra inviting.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the type of sausage and broth used.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Cabbage Stew is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can make an incredibly satisfying meal. The sausage adds smoky, savory flavor while the cabbage and carrots become wonderfully tender as they slowly cook in the seasoned broth.
I usually serve it straight from the slow cooker with some warm crusty bread, and honestly, there’s nothing better than having a comforting dinner ready with so little effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use kielbasa instead of smoked sausage?
Absolutely! Kielbasa is a great choice and works beautifully in this recipe. You can also use turkey or chicken smoked sausage.
2. Can I add potatoes?
Yes. Add about 3–4 peeled and cubed potatoes along with the carrots. They’ll make the stew even heartier.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. The stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
4. Can I freeze sausage and cabbage stew?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Definitely. Simmer everything in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over low heat for about 45–60 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
