Crockpot 4-Ingredient Cabbage and Potatoes

moderator1on

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the four main ingredients:

1. Cabbage

You'll need about 1 medium head of green cabbage, roughly chopped.

Try to cut the pieces into reasonably similar sizes so they cook evenly.

2. Potatoes

Use about 2 pounds of potatoes.

Yukon Gold potatoes are especially good because they hold their shape while becoming wonderfully tender. Russet potatoes also work and give the dish a softer, starchier texture.

3. Smoked Sausage

Use about 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced into rounds.

Kielbasa is an easy choice, but your favorite fully cooked smoked sausage will work.

4. Butter

You'll need about 4 tablespoons of butter.

It melts into the cabbage and potatoes as they cook, adding richness and helping create that classic comfort-food flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You really don't need much for this recipe.

  • 5- to 6-quart slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving spoon

That’s it!

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

One of my favorite things about recipes like this is how easily you can make them your own.

Add Onion

A sliced yellow onion adds sweetness and extra savory flavor.

Add Garlic

A little minced garlic is delicious with cabbage, potatoes, and sausage.

Use Bacon

Want even more smoky flavor? Add cooked, crumbled bacon before serving.

Try a Different Sausage

Kielbasa, smoked turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or another fully cooked smoked sausage can all work.

Add Seasonings

Although the sausage brings plenty of flavor, you can add:

  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Dried thyme
  • Red pepper flakes

For a little heat, red pepper flakes are especially good.

How to Make Crockpot 4-Ingredient Cabbage and Potatoes

This is where the recipe gets almost ridiculously easy.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized chunks.

If you're using thin-skinned potatoes such as Yukon Golds, you can leave the skins on. Peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.

Remove the tough outer leaves from the cabbage, cut it into wedges, remove the core, and chop it into large pieces.

Slice the smoked sausage into rounds.

Step 2: Layer Everything in the Crockpot

Place about half of the potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Add some of the cabbage and sausage.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cabbage, and sausage.

Don't worry if the crockpot looks very full at first. Cabbage cooks down considerably.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Cut the butter into smaller pieces and scatter it over the top.

As everything cooks, the butter melts down through the cabbage and potatoes.

If you'd like to season the dish, sprinkle your preferred seasonings over everything now.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on:

LOW for 5–6 hours

or

HIGH for about 3–4 hours

Cooking time can vary depending on the size of your potato pieces and the slow cooker.

The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is soft.

Step 5: Give It a Gentle Stir

Once everything is tender, gently stir the ingredients together.

Be careful not to mash the potatoes.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

And that's dinner!

What to Serve With Cabbage and Potatoes

Because this dish already contains potatoes, cabbage, and sausage, you can absolutely serve it by itself.

But if you're making it as a side dish, it pairs beautifully with:

  • Roast chicken
  • Baked ham
  • Pork chops
  • Meatloaf
  • Fried chicken
  • Roast beef
  • Cornbread
  • Dinner rolls
  • Crusty bread

A spoonful of mustard on the side is also fantastic with the smoky sausage.

Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Cabbage and Potatoes

Cut the Potatoes Evenly

This is one of the simplest ways to help everything cook at roughly the same rate.

Very large potato pieces can take considerably longer to become tender.

Don't Cut the Cabbage Too Small

Large chunks work well because cabbage shrinks significantly during cooking.

Don't Add Too Much Liquid

Cabbage releases plenty of moisture as it cooks, and the butter adds richness.

You generally don't need to pour in a lot of broth or water.

If your particular slow cooker tends to cook very dry, a small splash of broth can be added.

Avoid Overcooking

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, check the dish.

Overcooking can make the potatoes fall apart and turn the cabbage overly soft.

Use Fully Cooked Smoked Sausage

Most smoked sausages used in this recipe are already fully cooked. If you substitute a raw sausage, cooking requirements will be different, so follow the package directions and make sure the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature.

Can You Make This Ahead?

Yes!

You can chop the cabbage and potatoes and slice the sausage several hours ahead of cooking.

Keep the prepared ingredients refrigerated until you're ready to put them into the slow cooker.

For the best texture, I prefer cooking the finished dish the same day it will be served.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them in a covered container within 2 hours.

They should keep in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or gently reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Add a small pat of butter or splash of broth if the potatoes seem dry.

Can You Freeze Cabbage and Potatoes?

You can freeze leftovers, although the potatoes and cabbage may soften somewhat after thawing.

For the best texture, freeze in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to about 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

If you're particularly sensitive to changes in potato texture, this is one of those recipes that's better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.

Crockpot Cabbage and Potatoes Recipe Information

Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Cook time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total time: About 5½–6½ hours
Servings: 6
Method: Slow cooker
Cuisine: American comfort food

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

No. Yukon Gold and other thin-skinned potatoes can be left unpeeled after washing them well.

Russet potatoes can also be left unpeeled, although peeling them gives the dish a softer, more traditional texture.

Can I use red potatoes?

Absolutely. Red potatoes are a great choice because they tend to hold their shape well during slow cooking.

Can I use purple cabbage?

You can, although it will change the color and slightly change the flavor of the finished dish. Green cabbage is the classic choice.

Can I add onions?

Yes! Sliced yellow or sweet onion is one of the easiest additions.

Do I need to brown the sausage first?

Not necessarily. Since smoked sausage is generally already cooked, you can add it directly to the slow cooker.

However, browning it in a skillet first can add extra caramelized flavor.

Can I add chicken broth?

You can add a small amount if you prefer a brothier dish, but don't overdo it. Cabbage releases quite a bit of liquid as it cooks.

Why are my potatoes still hard?

The most common reasons are large potato pieces, an unusually full slow cooker, or differences between slow cookers.

Continue cooking until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Can I make this without sausage?

Yes. The sausage adds a lot of flavor, but you can leave it out and add extra seasonings, onions, garlic, or another protein.

Is this a complete meal?

It certainly can be! With potatoes, cabbage, and sausage, this makes a filling one-pot meal.

Approximate Nutrition

Nutrition will vary depending on the type of sausage, potatoes, butter, and serving size used.

As a general estimate, one serving may provide approximately:

  • Calories: 350–450
  • Protein: 12–18g
  • Carbohydrates: 35–45g
  • Fat: 18–25g
  • Fiber: 5–7g

For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate the recipe using the exact brands and quantities you use.

Final Thoughts

There are recipes that require twenty ingredients and a sink full of dishes—and then there are recipes like this.

Crockpot 4-Ingredient Cabbage and Potatoes proves that simple food can still be incredibly satisfying.

Tender cabbage, buttery potatoes, and smoky sausage slowly cooking together? Yes, please!!

It's inexpensive, comforting, filling, and easy enough for a busy weekday while still feeling right at home on a Sunday dinner table.

If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out. Leave a review, tell me what you added, and share a photo on Pinterest so other home cooks can see your version, too!

And if you're looking for more cozy recipes, don't stop here. Try serving this alongside Southern Hoe Cakes, Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Beef and Macaroni Soup, or Sausage, Peppers and Onions for another comforting meal the whole family can enjoy.