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Crockpot Cabbage and Smoked Sausage

Learn how to make tender slow cooker cabbage and browned smoked sausage without added water or soggy results.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs smoked sausage or kielbasa sliced into 1/2-inch coins
  • 1 head (approx 3 lbs) green cabbage cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion halved and sliced thin
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper divided
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder divided
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder divided
  • 1/2 tsp caraway seeds optional
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar added at the end of cooking

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • 12-inch Skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Place the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker insert.
  4. Layer half of the chopped green cabbage into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  5. Spread the sliced yellow onion evenly over the cabbage layer.
  6. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
  7. Add the remaining chopped cabbage on top of the onion layer.
  8. Top with the seared smoked sausage slices and any accumulated pan juices from the plate.
  9. Sprinkle the top layer with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, and the optional caraway seeds.
  10. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 hours (or on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours) until cabbage is fork-tender.
  11. Remove the lid, pour the apple cider vinegar over the top, and gently toss with tongs to distribute the juices and vinegar.
  12. Cover and let sit on the WARM setting for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If using a smaller 4-quart slow cooker, slice the cabbage slightly smaller so it packs down tightly.
Double the recipe for large gatherings by using an 8-quart slow cooker and extending cook time by 45 minutes on LOW.
Leftover cooked sausage grease from the skillet can replace the butter at the bottom of the crock.