Slow Cooker Cabbage with Smoked Beef Sausage is a simple, filling meal with just three main ingredients. The cabbage turns soft, the onion adds a little sweetness, and the sausage gives every bite a smoky flavor. If you enjoy easy sausage dinners like cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage, this recipe is another good choice for your meal plan.
Why Make This Recipe
This meal takes little prep and uses basic ingredients. Once you chop the cabbage and slice the sausage and onion, the slow cooker does most of the work.
You can serve it on its own or add a simple side. It also reheats well, so you can save leftovers for lunch the next day.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage with Smoked Beef Sausage
Layer the vegetables and sausage in your slow cooker, add a little seasoning, and cook until the cabbage is tender. Use fully cooked smoked beef sausage for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage, about 3 pounds
- 1½ pounds fully cooked smoked beef sausage, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Slice the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer the cabbage, smoked beef sausage, and sliced onion in a large slow cooker. Do not pack it above the maker’s recommended fill line.
- Season with a little salt and pepper. The sausage adds salt, so start with a small amount.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender. Start checking at the shorter cooking time, since slow cookers vary.
- Stir before serving. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cabbage with Smoked Beef Sausage
Serve this dish hot in bowls, with a little of the cooking juices spooned over the top. Add crusty bread or cornbread on the side to soak up the broth.
For a larger meal, serve it with mashed potatoes or cooked rice. A small spoonful of mustard also goes well with the smoked sausage.
How to Store Slow Cooker Cabbage with Smoked Beef Sausage
Place leftovers in shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. The cabbage may become softer after freezing.
Reheat leftovers in a saucepan or microwave until they reach 165°F throughout. Add a splash of water if needed.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage with Smoked Beef Sausage
- Cut even pieces. Keep the cabbage pieces close in size so they cook evenly.
- Slice the sausage thickly. Thick rounds hold their shape during cooking.
- Use a large enough slow cooker. Raw cabbage takes up plenty of room. Reduce the batch if it will not fit safely.
- Keep the lid closed. Opening it often lets heat escape and can slow cooking.
- Check the texture early. Stop cooking when the cabbage reaches the softness you like.
- Brown the sausage if you have time. A quick sear in a skillet adds more flavor before slow cooking.
Variation
Add sliced carrots for a little sweetness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat. You can also stir in a small splash of apple cider vinegar after cooking for a brighter taste.
For a different sausage option, use fully cooked smoked turkey sausage instead of beef sausage.
FAQs
Do I need to add water or broth?
Usually, no. Cabbage and onion release moisture as they cook. If your slow cooker tends to run dry, add about ¼ cup of water or low-sodium broth at the start.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, but it will change the color of the dish and may have a firmer texture. Green cabbage gives this recipe its mild flavor and soft texture.
Can I cook this recipe on high?
Yes. Cook it on high for 3–4 hours. Check at 3 hours and continue cooking if the cabbage is still too firm.
Can I use raw sausage?
Use fully cooked smoked beef sausage for this recipe. Raw sausage needs different handling and a safe internal cooking temperature, so it is not a direct swap.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cabbage with Smoked Beef Sausage makes a warm, simple dinner with very little hands-on work. Serve it with bread or potatoes and save the leftovers for another meal. For more meal ideas from home cooks, browse this community discussion of favorite crockpot recipes.