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Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Cabbage Recipe

Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Cabbage

Smoked kielbasa, tender green cabbage, onion, and garlic simmer together in chicken broth for an easy Crockpot dinner. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end adds a bright finish to the rich, savory flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 medium head, about 2-2½ lb Green cabbage, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces or wedges
  • 1 lb Smoked kielbasa, cut into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 medium Yellow onion, sliced or chopped
  • 1½ cups Chicken broth
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • ½ tsp, plus more to taste Kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp Black pepper
Optional Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Remove the tough core from the cabbage and cut the leaves into large 1-inch pieces or wedges. Slice the kielbasa into ½-inch rounds and slice or chop the onion.
  2. Add approximately half of the cabbage to the slow cooker insert. Layer in the onion, kielbasa, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. Top with the remaining cabbage and pour in the chicken broth. The broth will not completely cover the ingredients because the cabbage releases additional moisture as it cooks.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Stir once during cooking if convenient, and begin checking around 4 hours on LOW so the cabbage stays tender rather than disintegrating.
  5. Taste the finished dish and adjust the seasoning. Add the optional butter, paprika, or a small splash of apple cider vinegar, then serve hot.

Notes

Kielbasa is generally fully cooked, so the slow cooker mainly heats the sausage and tenderizes the cabbage. For deeper flavor and lightly crisped edges, brown the kielbasa in a skillet before adding it. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat gently until hot.