Are you craving a mouthwatering, hassle-free dinner that will tantalize your taste buds while keeping your carb count in check? Look no further! This Crock Pot Smoked Sausage Cabbage recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of perfectly seasoned sausage and tender cabbage, all prepared with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves delicious, no-fuss meals, this recipe is your ticket to an incredibly satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by slicing the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Wash and chop the cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces, ensuring relatively uniform size for even cooking.
- Peel and dice the onion into medium-sized chunks. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic flavors.
- Lightly spray or grease the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the ingredients in the crock pot: Start with a base of chopped cabbage, then add the sliced smoked sausage, chopped onions, and minced garlic on top.
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix the ingredients, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become tender.
- About halfway through cooking (around 2 hours), gently stir the ingredients to ensure even cooking and prevent bottom burning.
- After 4 hours, check the cabbage for tenderness. If needed, cook an additional 30 minutes. The cabbage should be soft but not mushy.
- Once done, turn off the slow cooker. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
- Serve hot directly from the crock pot. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. Seek out varieties with less added sugars to keep the dish truly low-carb.
- Cabbage Cutting Technique: Chop cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for roughly 1-inch chunks to prevent some pieces from becoming too mushy while others remain undercooked.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with your seasonings! The paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, but feel free to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Prevent Burning: The gentle stir halfway through cooking is crucial. This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the crock pot.
- Make It Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. For a lower-fat version, use turkey sausage instead of traditional smoked sausage.
- Meal Prep Magic: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping. The flavors actually improve overnight!
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, consider topping with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
