Description: A hearty and comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This slow cooker recipe combines simple ingredients like cabbage, potatoes, and smoked sausage, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- ½ head of green cabbage, cored and chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 5-6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or Hillshire Farm), sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing the onion)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by prepping all the vegetables. Core the cabbage and chop it into manageable, bite-sized pieces, about 2 inches in size. Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes; this ensures they cook evenly. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion (Optional): For a deeper flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent and slightly softened, approximately 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing until fragrant. This step adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish, but can be skipped for an even simpler preparation.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, start by layering the chopped cabbage on the bottom. Next, add the cubed potatoes and the sliced smoked sausage. If you sautéed the onion and garlic, spread it over the sausage layer.
Step 4: Season the Mixture: Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt over the ingredients in the slow cooker. The smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the sausage and vegetables, while the thyme provides an earthy undertone.
Step 5: Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) over the mixture. Ensure that the liquid covers most of the ingredients, but it doesn’t need to completely submerge them.
Cooking:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker model, so check for doneness. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the cabbage should be softened but not mushy. The sausage will release its flavors into the broth, creating a rich and savory sauce.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers a delicious and satisfying meal. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the ingredients with rich flavors over several hours. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your liking, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender cabbage, creamy potatoes, and flavorful smoked sausage is a comfort food classic that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it makes great leftovers!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
- Consider serving with a side of apple cider vinegar for drizzling over the cabbage, enhancing its flavor with a tangy kick.
Tips:
- To prevent the potatoes from getting mushy, cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and replace the smoked sausage with vegetarian sausage or additional vegetables like carrots and bell peppers.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the broth and add more salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
- To add more depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf to the slow cooker while cooking. Remember to remove it before serving.
- For a richer flavor, you can brown the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is optional but enhances the overall taste.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes on low, or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes on high.
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion size)
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 20-25g
- Sodium: 800-1200mg
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation and comforting flavors make it a go-to meal for busy weeknights. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen! The result is a flavorful, wholesome, and comforting dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for smoked sausage like kielbasa or Hillshire Farm, you can substitute it with other varieties such as andouille, chorizo, or even turkey sausage. The type of sausage you choose will influence the overall flavor profile, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination. Andouille, for example, will add a spicy kick, while turkey sausage will make the dish lighter.
Q2: How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too mushy?
A: To prevent the cabbage from becoming overly soft, ensure it is cut into relatively large pieces, about 2 inches in size. Also, avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on the cabbage during the last hour of cooking, and if it appears to be softening too quickly, you can reduce the cooking time or switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting to maintain the temperature without further cooking.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! This recipe is highly versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to customize it to your taste. Carrots, bell peppers, turnips, and parsnips are excellent additions. Add them along with the potatoes for even cooking. Consider the cooking time of each vegetable; harder vegetables like carrots and turnips may benefit from being added earlier in the cooking process.
Q4: Is it necessary to sauté the onions before adding them to the slow cooker?
A: No, sautéing the onions is optional but recommended for a richer flavor. Sautéing the onions beforehand caramelizes them, bringing out their sweetness and adding depth to the overall dish. However, if you are short on time or prefer a simpler preparation, you can skip this step and add the raw onions directly to the slow cooker. The dish will still be delicious!
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the entire dish in the slow cooker and then refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat it in the slow cooker on low heat or in a pot on the stovetop until heated through. The flavors often meld together even more when the dish is reheated, making it even tastier! You can also prepare the ingredients in advance by chopping the vegetables and slicing the sausage, storing them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the slow cooker.
