4-Ingredient Crockpot Cabbage and Potatoes
There are days when I want dinner to be hearty and homemade without spending much time in the kitchen. That’s where this 4-Ingredient Crockpot Cabbage and Potatoes comes in. Everything goes into the slow cooker, and a few hours later you have tender cabbage, soft potatoes, and smoky sausage in a savory broth.
It’s the kind of meal that feels especially welcome on a chilly evening, but honestly, I make it whenever I have a head of cabbage sitting in the refrigerator that needs a purpose. The potatoes make it filling, while the sausage adds enough flavor that you don’t need a long list of seasonings.
I usually serve this straight from the crockpot with some crusty bread for soaking up the cooking liquid. It’s simple food, but that’s exactly why it works.
And because the slow cooker does nearly all the work, it’s an easy choice for a busy weekday. You can get everything prepared in the morning, let it cook while you’re getting through the day, and come back to a ready-to-serve dinner.
Why This Crockpot Cabbage And Potatoes Recipe Works
The cabbage becomes soft and sweet as it cooks, while the potatoes absorb the savory juices from the sausage and broth. You end up with a combination that’s hearty without being overly rich.
Using smoked sausage is an easy way to build plenty of flavor without adding a long list of ingredients. As it cooks, some of its smoky, savory flavor works its way into the cabbage and potatoes.
The slow cooker is also particularly well suited to cabbage. Unlike a quick stovetop version, there’s no need to keep stirring or watching the pot. Just make sure the ingredients are arranged properly before you put the lid on.
One small detail that makes a difference is cutting the potatoes into fairly even pieces. That way, you’re less likely to end up with some pieces falling apart while others are still firm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cabbage
Use one medium head of green cabbage. Remove the tough outer leaves and cut the cabbage into wedges or large chunks. Don’t chop it too finely, since cabbage shrinks considerably as it cooks.
Potatoes
Baby potatoes are convenient because they only need to be halved or quartered, depending on their size. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes cut into chunks. They hold their shape nicely during slow cooking.
Smoked Sausage
Smoked sausage brings the seasoning and savory flavor to the dish. Slice it into rounds that are thick enough to stay substantial after several hours in the crockpot.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth gives the cabbage and potatoes moisture while creating a flavorful cooking liquid. Regular or low-sodium broth will work. If your sausage is particularly salty, low-sodium broth gives you a little more control over the final seasoning.
How To Make 4-Ingredient Crockpot Cabbage And Potatoes
Prepare The Vegetables
Start by washing the potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized pieces. If you’re using baby potatoes, halving the smaller ones and quartering the larger ones usually works well.
Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and cut it into chunky wedges. Keep the pieces fairly large so they don’t completely disappear during the long cooking time.
Layer The Potatoes And Cabbage
Place the potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Arrange the cabbage over the potatoes, gently pressing it down if the crockpot looks very full.
It may seem like there’s too much cabbage at first, but don’t worry. Cabbage loses quite a bit of volume as it cooks.
Add The Sausage And Broth
Scatter the sliced smoked sausage over the cabbage, then pour the chicken broth around the edges and over the ingredients.
There’s no need to completely submerge everything in broth. The cabbage will release additional moisture as it cooks, and the slow cooker traps steam inside.
Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, depending on your slow cooker.
The dish is ready when the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork and the cabbage is tender. If you like your cabbage very soft, give it a little more time.
Before serving, gently stir everything together. Be careful not to over-stir, especially if the potatoes are very tender.
Common Questions About Crockpot Cabbage And Potatoes
Can I Use Red Potatoes?
Yes. Red potatoes work well in this recipe and tend to hold their shape nicely. Cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Can I Use A Different Sausage?
Absolutely. Kielbasa, turkey smoked sausage, or another fully cooked smoked sausage can be used. Keep in mind that different sausages vary in saltiness, so the flavor of the finished dish may change slightly.
Do I Need To Brown The Sausage First?
No. Since this is meant to be a simple four-ingredient slow cooker meal, the sausage can go straight into the crockpot. Browning it first will add a little extra color and flavor, but it also adds another pan to wash.
Why Is My Cabbage Watery?
Cabbage naturally releases a lot of water as it cooks. If you have more liquid than you want at the end, remove the lid for a few minutes before serving and let some of the excess steam escape.
How Do I Know When The Potatoes Are Done?
Stick a fork into the thickest piece. It should slide in easily without the potato feeling firm in the center. Try to check the potatoes rather than judging doneness by the cabbage alone.
Can I Double The Recipe?
Only if your slow cooker is large enough to comfortably hold the ingredients without being overfilled. A slow cooker generally shouldn’t be packed right to the top, since that can affect how evenly the food cooks.
Storing Leftover Cabbage And Potatoes
In The Refrigerator
Let leftovers cool and transfer them to shallow airtight containers. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days.
The flavors actually settle in nicely after a night in the refrigerator, although the cabbage will be softer when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot throughout, or warm them gently in a saucepan on the stovetop. Add a small splash of broth if the mixture seems dry.
Cabbage And Potato Variations
Add Bacon
For a smoky, pork-forward version, cook a few strips of bacon until crisp, crumble them over the finished dish, and use some of the rendered flavor in place of part of the sausage.
Use Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery texture and work especially well here. They become tender while generally holding together better than very starchy potatoes.
Make It With Turkey Sausage
Turkey smoked sausage is a lighter option that still gives you the smoky flavor this dish needs. Choose a well-seasoned variety for the most satisfying result.
Add Carrots
If you don’t mind making this a five-ingredient version, sliced carrots fit naturally with the cabbage and potatoes. Add them with the potatoes so they have plenty of time to become tender.
Try Savoy Cabbage
Savoy cabbage has a slightly more delicate texture than standard green cabbage. It can be used in the same way, though it may become tender a little sooner.
Add A Little Heat
If you like a bit of spice, serve the finished dish with hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add it at the table so everyone can adjust the heat to taste.
What To Serve With 4-Ingredient Crockpot Cabbage And Potatoes
Crusty Bread
A slice of warm crusty bread is probably the simplest side for this meal. It’s especially useful for catching the savory broth left in the bottom of the bowl.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch to an otherwise soft, hearty meal.
Cornbread
Sweet or savory cornbread makes a nice match for the smoky sausage and tender cabbage. It also turns this simple crockpot dinner into a more substantial meal.
Pickles Or Sauerkraut
For something tangy, serve a small portion of pickles or sauerkraut alongside the cabbage and potatoes. The acidity helps balance the richness of the sausage.
A good thing to remember with this recipe is not to fuss over it too much. Cut the vegetables evenly, give everything enough room in the crockpot, and let the slow cooker do its job.
If you’re making it for the first time, I’d start checking the potatoes toward the earlier end of the cooking range, since slow cookers can vary quite a bit. Once the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is soft, dinner is ready.
This 4-Ingredient Crockpot Cabbage and Potatoes is the sort of recipe that’s easy to keep in your back pocket. It uses straightforward ingredients, creates very little cleanup, and gives you a warm, filling meal without much hands-on cooking.
This 4-Ingredient Crockpot Cabbage and Potatoes is the ultimate easy comfort food! Tender cabbage and hearty potatoes come together with just a handful of simple ingredients for a cozy, flavorful side dish or satisfying meatless meal. Perfect for busy days when you want something delicious with minimal effort.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes halved
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced into rounds
- 4 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash the potatoes and cut them in half. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer the crockpot: Add the potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the sliced smoked sausage over the potatoes, then add the chopped cabbage.
- Add the butter: Scatter the butter pieces evenly over the top. Season lightly with salt and black pepper if desired.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage is soft.
- Stir and serve: Give everything a gentle stir before serving so the buttery juices coat the cabbage, potatoes, and sausage.
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