Potato & Cabbage

I've been making this slow cooker cabbage, sausage, and potato dish for ages, and it's become a true family favorite! When life gets hectic, there's nothing better than tossing a few simple ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a warm, hearty meal. This recipe, especially when I use my go-to Hillshire Farm smoked sausage, is incredibly flavorful and comforting. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or easy meal prep. What I love most is how versatile it is. Here's what I typically use: Bite-sized potatoes: About 2 lbs, quartered or halved. Yukon Golds or red potatoes work great; no need to peel! Cabbage: One medium head, cored and roughly chopped. It cooks down beautifully. Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage: One 13-14 oz package, sliced into thick coins. This is key for that smoky flavor! Bell Peppers: One of each: red, orange, and yellow bell pepper, deseeded and sliced. They add color and sweetness. Onion: One large, chopped. Fresh Jalapeños: 1-2, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat). Broth: About 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth. Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Here’s how I get this deliciousness going: Prep Your Veggies: Chop all your bite-sized potatoes, cabbage, bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños. Slice your Hillshire Farm sausage. Layer in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, layer half of the potatoes, then half of the cabbage, followed by the sliced Hillshire Farm sausage. Scatter half of the chopped bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños over the sausage. Repeat & Season: Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. Pour in the broth. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Trust me, don't be shy with the seasonings! Cook Away: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender and cabbage is soft. A quick stir halfway through is optional but helps blend flavors. Serve: Give it a final stir. Sometimes, for presentation or extra texture, I'll lightly sauté a few extra slices of sausage and bell peppers to garnish, inspired by how beautifully sautéed dishes look. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions also adds a lovely touch, just like you might see in my photos! This recipe is super adaptable! You can add carrots, celery, or even some chopped kale. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more jalapeños. A sprinkle of shredded cheese in the last 30 minutes adds a creamy twist. Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavors beautifully. It’s a complete meal on its own, but a side of crusty bread is always a hit! I genuinely hope you give this easy slow cooker cabbage, sausage, and potato recipe a try. It’s comforting, satisfying, and frees up your evening. Enjoy!