Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes
Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes is a simple, hearty comfort-food recipe made with tender cabbage, soft potatoes, onions, garlic, and flavorful seasonings. Everything cooks slowly in one pot, allowing the vegetables to absorb the delicious broth and develop a rich homemade flavor.
This budget-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or whenever you want a warm and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just prepare the ingredients, add them to your slow cooker, and let it do the work!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Easy preparation: A few minutes of chopping is all you need.
– Budget-friendly: Uses affordable everyday ingredients.
– Comforting flavor: Tender cabbage and potatoes cook in a savory seasoned broth.
– Perfect for busy days: Let your slow cooker handle most of the cooking.
– Versatile: Enjoy it as a vegetarian meal or add sausage or bacon for extra flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into large pieces
– 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved (or regular potatoes cut into chunks)
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Cut larger potatoes into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate.
Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage, cut it into quarters, remove the tough core, and chop the cabbage into large pieces.
Slice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the potato chunks in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic.
Arrange the chopped cabbage over the potatoes. The cabbage may look like a lot at first, but it will shrink as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Broth
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and onion powder over the vegetables.
Pour the broth evenly into the slow cooker and add the butter in small pieces.
The liquid does not need to completely cover the vegetables because the cabbage will release moisture as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover with the lid and cook:
– LOW: 6–7 hours.
– HIGH: 3–4 hours.
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the potato pieces and your slow cooker. The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is soft.
Avoid opening the lid frequently because this releases heat and can increase cooking time.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once everything is tender, gently stir the vegetables to distribute the flavorful broth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes
– Cut potatoes evenly: Similar-sized pieces help everything cook consistently.
– Keep cabbage pieces large: They hold their shape better during slow cooking.
– Layer potatoes underneath: They take longer to cook and benefit from being closer to the heat.
– Don’t add too much broth: Cabbage releases plenty of liquid as it cooks.
– Check tenderness before serving: Cooking times can vary between slow cooker models.
– Add fresh herbs at the end: Parsley gives the finished dish a fresh flavor.
Delicious Recipe Variations
Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes, and Sausage
Add 12 ounces of sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa. Brown it in a skillet first for extra flavor, then layer it with the vegetables.
Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon
Cook 4–5 bacon slices until crispy. Add the crumbled bacon during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking or sprinkle it over each serving.
Garlic Butter Cabbage and Potatoes
Increase the butter to 3 tablespoons and add an extra clove of garlic for a richer, more buttery flavor.
Vegetarian Cabbage and Potatoes
Use vegetable broth and keep the recipe as written for a satisfying vegetarian-friendly dish.
Spicy Slow Cooker Vegetables
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce for a spicy version.
What to Serve with Cabbage and Potatoes
This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:
– Grilled or roasted chicken.
– Baked pork chops.
– Smoked sausage.
– Roasted beef.
– Fresh garden salad.
– Crusty bread or dinner rolls.
For a more filling meal, serve it with warm bread to soak up the savory cooking broth.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or heat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Freezing: You can freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months, although the potatoes and cabbage may become softer after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cook the potatoes before adding them to the slow cooker?
No. Raw potatoes can go directly into the slow cooker. Simply wash and cut them into evenly sized pieces.
Can I use red potatoes?
Yes. Red potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice because they become creamy and tender.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely. Chicken broth adds a savory flavor, while vegetable broth keeps the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
Why are my potatoes still hard?
The pieces may be too large, or the slow cooker may need more cooking time. Cut potatoes into smaller, even chunks and cook until they are easily pierced with a fork.
Can I cook cabbage and potatoes overnight?
It is generally better to follow the recommended cooking times rather than leave the vegetables cooking overnight. Extended cooking can make the cabbage mushy and affect the potatoes’ texture.
Can I add carrots?
Yes. Add 2 chopped carrots along with the potatoes. Cut them into similar-sized pieces so they soften evenly.
Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes on LOW
Servings: 6
Cooking Method: Slow cooker
Ingredients
– 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
– 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Wash and cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces.
2. Remove the cabbage core and chop the cabbage into large pieces.
3. Place potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add onion, garlic, and chopped cabbage.
5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and onion powder.
6. Pour in the broth and add the butter.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
8. Check that the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is soft.
9. Gently stir, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes is the kind of simple homemade meal that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table. With tender potatoes, soft cabbage, aromatic garlic, and a savory broth, every serving is full of satisfying flavor.
Whether you enjoy it as a vegetarian dinner or customize it with sausage or bacon, this easy slow cooker recipe is an affordable and delicious addition to your weekly meal plan.