Description
A comforting and flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring tender cabbage and smoky sausage, infused with aromatic spices and a touch of apple cider vinegar for a tangy finish. Perfect for a hearty, easy-to-make family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
Meat
- 14 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Layer Vegetables: In a large slow cooker, place the chopped cabbage, sliced onions, minced garlic, and sliced carrots evenly at the bottom.
- Add Sausage: Arrange the sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa on top of the vegetable layer.
- Season: Sprinkle paprika, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Add Liquids: Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the mixture, then pour in apple cider vinegar and chicken broth to add moisture and flavor.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Gently stir the cooked cabbage and sausage to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or another smoked meat of choice.
- Use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian, but omit the sausage or replace it with plant-based sausage.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
