If you’re craving a meal that combines hearty comfort with effortless preparation, this Slow Cooker Cabbage Potatoes & Smoked Sausage stew is exactly what you need. Packed with tender cabbage, flavorful smoked sausage, and soft potatoes, it’s a set and forget Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes & Smoked Sausage recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and warms your soul. The balance of savory spices and rich textures makes this stew a perfect solution for busy days or cozy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Just prep ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do all the work without constant supervision.
Hearty and Satisfying: The perfect mix of sausage, potatoes, and cabbage delivers a meal that’s filling and full of flavor.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that stretch to serve the whole family.
Comfort Food Classic: This stew reminds you of home-cooked meals, comforting on cold or busy days.
Adaptable: Easy to adjust for preferences or dietary needs without losing its signature deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Cabbage Potatoes & Smoked Sausage recipe pulls its weight, creating a well-rounded dish with great texture, color, and depth of flavor. From the smoky sausage to the tender cabbage, every piece counts.

Smoked Sausage: Use kielbasa or andouille for a smoky, savory backbone to the stew.
Green Cabbage: Adds a mild sweetness and tender crunch once cooked down slowly.
Russet or Yukon Potatoes: Provide a soft, starchy balance to the meat and vegetables.
Onion: Brings a natural sweetness and savory aroma as it slowly stews.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful base, keeping everything moist and infused with taste.
Tomato Paste: Gives a subtle tang and richness to deepen the stew’s flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smokiness and adds a warm spice note.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the elements together perfectly.

Variations for Slow Cooker Cabbage Potatoes & Smoked Sausage

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you want to cater it to dietary preferences or just switch things up, these variations keep the spirit of the dish alive while offering new excitement.

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute smoked sausage with smoked tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Extra Veggies: Toss in chopped carrots or celery for added color and nutrition.
Different Sausages: Try bratwurst or chorizo for a unique twist on flavor.
Herbs & Greens: Stir in fresh parsley or kale toward the end for added freshness.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Potatoes & Smoked Sausage Stew

How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Potatoes & Smoked Sausage

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Chop the cabbage into thick strips, dice the potatoes into chunks, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Prepping the ingredients evenly ensures they cook just right.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker

Layer the potatoes on the bottom first so they cook thoroughly. Add the cabbage, onion, garlic, and finally the sausage on top. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed.

Step 3: Set and Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking lets all the flavors meld while cooking the potatoes to soft perfection and tenderizing the cabbage beautifully.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serve

Give the stew a gentle stir just before serving to combine any settled ingredients. Taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy warmth with every spoonful.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Cabbage Potatoes & Smoked Sausage

Uniform Cuts: Ensure potatoes and cabbage are cut evenly for consistent cooking times throughout the stew.
Brown the Sausage: For extra flavor, quickly sear sausage pieces before adding to the slow cooker to enhance their smoky taste.
Don’t Overfill: Leave some space in your slow cooker to allow even heat circulation and avoid undercooked ingredients.
Use Fresh Broth: Good quality chicken broth makes a noticeable difference in depth and richness.
Check Liquid: Add a little more broth or water if the stew looks too thick towards the end of cooking.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cabbage Potatoes & Smoked Sausage

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley or green onions add a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens this rich stew effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread or corn muffins to soak up every savory drop, plus a crisp green salad for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess and indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its flavors and texture nicely.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully; portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal option anytime.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly warm through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage?

Absolutely! Bratwurst, chorizo, or even turkey sausage work great and add different flavor profiles to the stew.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you select gluten-free sausage and broth, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to this stew?

Definitely! Carrots, celery, and bell peppers can be added to enhance flavor, nutrition, and texture.

How do I prevent potatoes from getting mushy?

Cut potatoes into larger, uniform chunks and avoid stirring the stew too often while cooking.

Can this be made in an Instant Pot?

Yes, use the sauté function to brown sausage, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes with natural pressure release.

Final Thoughts

If you want a hearty, soul-warming dish that practically makes itself, the Slow Cooker Cabbage Potatoes & Smoked Sausage is your go-to recipe. Its simplicity paired with rich flavors guarantees a satisfying meal that will become a staple in your rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this easy, comforting stew.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Potatoes & Smoked Sausage

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free (if gluten-free sausage and broth are used)

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Cabbage Potatoes & Smoked Sausage stew is a hearty, comforting meal that is easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time. Packed with tender cabbage, flavorful smoked sausage, and soft potatoes, this stew offers a perfect balance of savory spices and rich textures. Ideal for busy days or cozy dinners, it fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and warms your soul.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Chop the cabbage into thick strips, dice the potatoes into chunks, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Prepping the ingredients evenly ensures they cook just right.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Layer the potatoes on the bottom first so they cook thoroughly. Add the cabbage, onion, garlic, and finally the sausage on top. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed.
Set and Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking lets all the flavors meld while cooking the potatoes to soft perfection and tenderizing the cabbage beautifully.
Final Touches and Serve: Give the stew a gentle stir just before serving to combine any settled ingredients. Taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy warmth with every spoonful.

Notes

Ensure potatoes and cabbage are cut evenly for consistent cooking times throughout the stew.
For extra flavor, quickly sear sausage pieces before adding to the slow cooker to enhance their smoky taste.
Leave some space in your slow cooker to allow even heat circulation and avoid undercooked ingredients.
Good quality chicken broth makes a noticeable difference in depth and richness.
Add a little more broth or water if the stew looks too thick towards the end of cooking.