Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Cabbage and Potatoes

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When it comes to cozy, fuss-free comfort food, nothing quite matches the hearty simplicity of Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Cabbage and Potatoes. This dish brings together smoky kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet, slow-braised cabbage in a flavorful broth that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s a true classic that speaks of home, warmth, and nourishment.

Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or whenever you’re craving something rustic and satisfying, this meal practically cooks itself. Just a few basic ingredients tossed into your slow cooker in the morning will yield a delicious dinner by evening—no babysitting required. It’s an effortless one-pot meal that checks every box for taste, nutrition, and heartiness.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Cabbage and Potatoes

This recipe is comfort food at its finest. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The sausage infuses the dish with a rich, smoky taste, while the potatoes and cabbage soak up all the savory juices. It’s also naturally gluten-free and incredibly filling, making it a fantastic family dinner option or meal prep favorite. And the best part? It all comes together in the slow cooker, so your hands are free for the rest of your day.

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What Kind of Kielbasa Should I Use?

For this recipe, smoked kielbasa is ideal. Its bold flavor stands up well to the mildness of cabbage and potatoes, and it adds a lovely depth to the broth. Pork kielbasa is the most traditional, but you can also use beef or turkey kielbasa if you prefer a leaner option. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to your slow cooker to ensure a safe and consistent cooking result.

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Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Cabbage and Potatoes

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building flavor and heartiness. Here’s what you need and why:

• Smoked Kielbasa Sausage: The main protein that adds deep, smoky flavor throughout the dish.
• Green Cabbage: When slow-cooked, cabbage becomes sweet, soft, and perfect for absorbing the sausage juices.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These hold up beautifully in the slow cooker and become buttery and tender.
• Yellow Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth to the base of the stew.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds a subtle but essential savory note.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create the flavorful broth that ties everything together.
• Butter: A touch of richness that enhances the flavor of both cabbage and potatoes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and brightness to finish.

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How To Make the Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Cabbage and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the kielbasa into rounds, chop the cabbage into chunks, dice the onion, and cut the potatoes into large bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Start by layering the cabbage on the bottom, followed by potatoes, onion, and garlic. Place the sliced kielbasa on top so it can render its flavor downward as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken broth and dot the top with butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and cabbage is soft.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Stir gently to combine before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish.

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Serving and Storing This Hearty Slow Cooker Meal

This Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Cabbage and Potatoes serves about 6 people generously, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Serve it straight from the slow cooker while it’s warm, accompanied by a ladle of that flavorful broth.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, a quick warm-up in the microwave or on the stovetop brings it right back to life.

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What to Serve With Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Cabbage and Potatoes?

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls

Perfect for soaking up that savory broth and adding a bit of chew to each bite.

Apple Slaw

The crisp sweetness of apple slaw balances out the rich, savory nature of the kielbasa dish.

Mustard or Horseradish Sauce

A spoonful on the side enhances the sausage’s smoky notes and adds zing.

Roasted Carrots or Root Vegetables

These echo the earthy tones of the dish while adding color and texture.

Sauerkraut

A traditional pairing that gives an extra punch of tang and fermentation.

Pickles or Pickled Beets

Bright acidity cuts through the richness of the sausage and cabbage combo.

Green Beans Almondine

Light, nutty, and slightly crunchy – a fresh contrast to the tender stew.

German-Style Potato Salad

If you’re going all in on comfort, double down with a warm vinegar-based potato salad.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?
Yes! Red potatoes are also waxy and hold their shape well in the slow cooker. Just avoid starchy potatoes like russets, which may fall apart.

2. Do I need to brown the kielbasa first?
It’s optional. Browning adds extra depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it since smoked kielbasa is already cooked.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the kielbasa with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors will still be comforting and delicious.

4. Will the cabbage get too soft?
Slow cooking does make cabbage very tender, but not mushy if you use the right timing. If you prefer it a bit firmer, cook on high for a shorter time and add the cabbage halfway through.

5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough (6 quarts or more), you can easily double the recipe. You might need to add 30-60 minutes to the cooking time.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use spicy kielbasa or stick with classic? Maybe added carrots or a splash of vinegar?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook better together.

Find more cozy slow cooker meals on my Pinterest here: Life With Livia on Pinterest

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Cabbage and Potatoes is more than just a meal—it’s a nostalgic hug in a bowl. Simple to make, loaded with comforting ingredients, and endlessly adaptable, it deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or storing away for future meals, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy every time.

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