When you want a comforting homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this Crockpot Sausage & Cabbage recipe is exactly what you need.
Smoked sausage, tender cabbage, sweet baby carrots, onion, and garlic slowly cook together in a flavorful chicken broth until everything is deliciously tender. The result is a hearty, rustic meal that feels like classic comfort food with very little effort.
Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker, turn it on, and let the crockpot do the work.
This is an especially wonderful recipe for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, Sunday dinners, and those days when you want something warm and satisfying waiting for you at dinner time.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Sausage & Cabbage
There are plenty of reasons to keep this easy recipe in your regular dinner rotation:
- Easy one-pot meal: Everything cooks in the crockpot.
- Minimal preparation: Chop the vegetables, slice the sausage, and you’re ready to go.
- Hearty and filling: Sausage and vegetables make a satisfying meal.
- Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients create a flavorful dinner.
- Great for busy days: Let the slow cooker do most of the work.
- Comforting flavor: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth add savory depth.
- Perfect leftovers: The flavors become even more delicious after sitting overnight.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this hearty slow cooker dinner.
Smoked Sausage
Use 1½ pounds of smoked sausage, sliced into rounds. Kielbasa or another fully cooked smoked sausage works beautifully.
Cabbage
You’ll need 1 small head of cabbage, chopped into relatively large pieces. Larger pieces hold their texture better during the long cooking time.
Baby Carrots
3 cups of baby carrots add natural sweetness, color, and plenty of hearty vegetable goodness.
Onion
One small chopped onion adds another layer of savory flavor.
Chicken Broth
2 cups of chicken broth create the flavorful cooking liquid that brings everything together.
Garlic
Two cloves of minced garlic add wonderful savory flavor.
Italian Seasoning
One teaspoon of Italian seasoning gives the broth a simple blend of herbs.
Salt & Pepper
Season to taste. Remember that smoked sausage and chicken broth may already contain salt, so start conservatively and adjust toward the end.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage & Cabbage
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the cabbage and cut it into large bite-sized pieces.
Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
There’s no need to make the pieces perfectly uniform—the rustic appearance is part of the charm of this dish.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables to the Crockpot
Place the chopped cabbage, baby carrots, onion, and minced garlic into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Spread everything out as evenly as possible.
Step 3: Add the Smoked Sausage
Slice the smoked sausage into rounds and place the pieces over the vegetables.
As the sausage cooks, its savory juices will mingle with the broth and vegetables, adding plenty of flavor.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the ingredients.
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
There’s no need to stir everything aggressively. The ingredients will settle and cook down naturally.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook:
LOW: 5–6 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
The dish is ready when the cabbage and carrots are tender and the sausage is heated through.
Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so begin checking toward the end of the suggested cooking time.
Step 6: Gently Stir and Serve
Once the vegetables are tender, gently stir everything together.
Be careful not to crush the cabbage or carrots.
Spoon some of the flavorful broth over each serving and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Sausage & Cabbage
Cut the Cabbage Into Larger Pieces
This is one of the most important tips.
If the cabbage is chopped too small, it can become overly soft during slow cooking. Larger chunks will become tender while retaining more texture.
Don’t Add Too Much Salt
Smoked sausage can be quite salty, and chicken broth may contain additional sodium.
Start with a small amount of salt and taste the finished broth before adding more.
Use a Good Smoked Sausage
Because sausage is one of the main ingredients, choosing a flavorful smoked sausage makes a noticeable difference.
Kielbasa is an excellent choice, but you can use your favorite smoked sausage.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables
Cabbage and carrots should be tender but not completely falling apart. Check the crockpot toward the end of the cooking time.
Let the Dish Rest
After turning off the slow cooker, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
Do You Need to Brown the Sausage First?
No.
One of the advantages of this recipe is that the smoked sausage can go directly into the crockpot.
However, if you want additional caramelized flavor, you can quickly brown the sausage slices in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
This step is completely optional.
Can I Use Regular Carrots?
Absolutely.
If you don’t have baby carrots, use regular carrots. Peel them and cut them into thick chunks so they hold up during slow cooking.
Can I Use Another Type of Cabbage?
Yes.
Green cabbage is the classic choice, but you can experiment with Savoy cabbage or other varieties.
Keep in mind that different types of cabbage can have slightly different cooking times and textures.
Can I Add Potatoes?
Definitely.
For an even heartier meal, add approximately 1–1½ pounds of baby potatoes or chopped Yukon Gold potatoes.
Cut larger potatoes into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes!
For a little heat, add:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Cayenne pepper
- Sliced jalapeños
- Hot smoked sausage
- A dash of hot sauce
Start with a small amount and increase according to your taste.
What to Serve With Sausage & Cabbage
This crockpot meal can easily be served on its own, but there are plenty of delicious sides that pair well with it.
Try serving it with:
- Crusty bread
- Cornbread
- Dinner rolls
- Garlic bread
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Buttered noodles
- Pickles
- Fresh green salad
A piece of crusty bread is especially good for soaking up the savory broth.
Easy Recipe Variations
Sausage, Cabbage & Potatoes
Add baby potatoes to turn this into an even more substantial one-pot meal.
Southern-Style Sausage & Cabbage
Add a little smoked paprika and use a smoky sausage for a deeper, more Southern-inspired flavor.
Spicy Sausage & Cabbage
Use hot smoked sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
Sausage & Cabbage With Bacon
Cook a few strips of bacon until crisp, crumble them, and add them to the finished dish for an extra smoky flavor.
Creamy Sausage & Cabbage
For a richer variation, remove some of the cooked vegetables and broth at the end and combine with a little cream before stirring it back into the crockpot.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3–4 days.
When reheating, heat until the food is steaming hot throughout.
The cabbage and sausage often taste even better the next day because the flavors have had additional time to mingle.
Can You Freeze Sausage & Cabbage?
Yes, although the cabbage may become softer after freezing and thawing.
For best results, allow the cooked dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cabbage?
Fresh cabbage is preferable for this recipe because it holds its texture better, but frozen cabbage can work in a pinch. Expect it to be softer.
Can I make this on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
For the best texture and flavor, the LOW setting is recommended when you have the time.
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage?
Yes. Turkey or chicken smoked sausage can be substituted, although the flavor will be somewhat lighter.
Why is my cabbage mushy?
The cabbage may have been cut too small or cooked longer than necessary. For better texture, cut it into larger chunks and check the vegetables toward the end of the recommended cooking time.
Can I add more broth?
Yes, but don’t add too much. The vegetables release moisture as they cook, so 2 cups provides a flavorful cooking liquid without turning the dish into soup.
Is this a complete meal?
Yes. The smoked sausage provides protein while cabbage and carrots provide vegetables. You can serve it as a complete meal or add bread, potatoes, or rice if desired.
Crockpot Sausage & Cabbage Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Keyword: Crockpot Sausage & Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1½ lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped into large pieces
- 3 cups baby carrots
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the chopped cabbage, baby carrots, onion, and minced garlic to the crockpot.
- Place the sliced smoked sausage on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the chicken broth over everything.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Check that the cabbage and carrots are tender.
- Gently stir everything together.
- Serve hot with some of the flavorful broth spooned over the top.
Chef’s Tip
Cut the cabbage into larger pieces so it stays tender without becoming too mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Sausage & Cabbage is the definition of easy comfort food. With smoky sausage, tender cabbage, sweet carrots, onion, garlic, and a flavorful broth, you get a hearty homemade meal without spending hours at the stove.
It’s inexpensive, simple, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Save this recipe for your next cozy dinner—you’ll love how easy it is! 🌭🥬🥣✨