Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use green cabbage only, or can I mix in red cabbage?
Green cabbage is ideal for its mild, sweet flavor when cooked. Red cabbage works too, but it will bleed a purple hue into the broth and has a slightly more peppery taste. A mix of both is beautiful and flavorful.
Do I need to add more liquid during cooking?
Almost never. Cabbage releases a significant amount of water as it cooks, and the sausage provides additional juices. Your dish will likely have more liquid at the end than when you started. Stick to the 1 cup of broth.
What if I want to make this on the stovetop?
You can. Sauté the sausage in a large Dutch oven, add the cabbage and potatoes, pour in the broth, and simmer, covered, over low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Use the sauté function to brown the sausage, then add all ingredients. Pressure cook on high for 4 to 5 minutes with a quick release. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as your sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free, the entire dish is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels on smoked sausage, as some brands may contain fillers.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes and Sausage
Cheap, filling, and deeply comforting—this hands-off crockpot dinner turns humble ingredients into a cozy, family-friendly meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
6–7 hours (LOW)
Total Time:
6 hours 10 minutes
Servings:
4–6
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa, andouille, or Polish sausage), sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
Optional Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste (only if needed)
Instructions
- Add the chopped cabbage to the bottom of a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
- Add the cubed potatoes on top of the cabbage.
- Place the sliced smoked sausage over the potatoes and cabbage.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Sprinkle with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, if using.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender and cabbage is soft.
- Stir gently before serving to mix the flavors.
- Taste and add salt only if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brown the sausage slices in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
- For a richer dish, stir in 1 tablespoon butter before serving.
- For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
- Serve with cornbread, biscuits, mustard, hot sauce, or a simple green salad.
This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes and Sausage is the kind of meal that brings comfort to the table without demanding a thing from you. It’s a reminder that the most satisfying dinners are often the simplest—just a few humble ingredients, a slow cooker, and a little bit of patience. When the weather turns cold and you need a cheap, filling, cozy winter dinner that tastes like home, this is the recipe to reach for. Keep it close, and it will never let you down.