Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potatoes
193 CommentsApr 13, 2026
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This cozy slow cooker recipe brings together kielbasa, potatoes, and cabbage with broth, onion, and spices for a flavorful homestyle dinner.
Featured Comment
So happy I found this recipe, so easy to make and tastes so yummy, and not bland at all, I found the spices perfect, especially with the added cayenne pepper for that little bit of heat, my family loved it!
– Kathleen
If you want more cabbage recipes, then I’ve got the recipe for you! Cabbage actually tastes good; it has a great texture when cooked down. This kielbasa and cabbage recipe is a keeper; it’s easy to throw together and very filling. We know cooking with kielbasa in the slow cooker works well, since we love Crockpot Red Beans and Rice, Slow Cooker Pierogies, and Kielbasa Potato Soup.
Key Ingredients
Kielbasa: Find this near the bacon at the store. I can sometimes find no nitrate variety to make it healthier.
Cabbage: Cooks down amazingly in the slow cooker – it melts in your mouth, it gets so tender.
Potatoes: Cubed Russet Potatoes hold up well in this. If you want low-carb, simply skip these.
Seasonings and Broth: This is a simple recipe; just add chicken broth, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.
How to Make Kielbasa, Potatoes, and Cabbage
- Brown the kielbasa for extra flavor.
- Add everything to the crockpot and let it cook low and slow.
- Stir and serve once the potatoes are tender.
How long to cook?
This recipe needs enough time for the potatoes to soften. I cook this recipe for 6 hours on low.
What to Serve with this?
Bread: Cornbread or garlic bread is great for sopping up the cooking broth.
Other Sides: Sliced tomatoes or mac and cheese are great choices.
Tips & Variations
Meat Swap: A full pound of cooked bacon is a great swap, or you can use summer sausage or andoullie sausage.
Red Cabbage: Use red instead of green; it’s slightly sweeter.
Carrots: Add a pound of sliced carrots – it’s a popular addition.
Does the Kielbasa have to be browned?
No! You can skip browning the kielbasa in any slow cooker recipe. Browning adds some depth of flavor, but it isn’t necessary.
Does this freeze well?
This meal can be frozen, but the potatoes may change texture after being thawed.
Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potatoes Recipe
How to Video
Ingredients
- 12 oz. kielbasa, any kind works!
- 5 small russet potatoe,, peeled and diced
- 1/2 head of cabbage, about 6 cups measured
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, (optional)
Instructions
- Slice and brown the kielbasa in a skillet on the stove top. Add to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
- Stir and serve! Enjoy.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Complete Slow Cooker meals in one pot
Try the Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Kielbasa and Sauerkraut, or Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls for easy, hearty meals.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Cabbage, a Full Chicken Dinner, or a Slow Cooker Pot Roast are great options for simple, comforting dinners.
Chicken, Potatoes and Green Beans or a Kielbasa Dinner are perfect when you want a complete meal made right in the crockpot.
Try adding beer as the braising liquid, gives it a different “body” , but a nice standard recipe , also can add cabbage later in cooking for more bite , thanks for posting
I added bacon & started the potatoes by cooking them in the bacon drippings. Added a nice additional layer of flavor. Beer wouldajso add a nice flavor but a dark beer.
Rich, satisfying and delicious
Do you have to use the dried thyme? Can’t seem to find any
No! It will be fine without
Can you add peppers
Yes!
Can you use beef broth instead of chicken broth
Yes, should work fine.
Thank you so much for this recipe ,My family enjoyed this so much they had seconds and I finished it the next day ! It feels so good to eat healthy meals for a change
Instead of cabbage I use sour kraut and leave kielbasa intact until after it’s fully cooked so it doesn’t dry out nor dose it absorb too much other flavors. Once cooked I slice up into even sections for however many people are eating and let them decide how thick or thin they want their meat. I personally top with horseradish mustard and eat until I have to unbutton my pants!
Can I use Italian sausage instead of kielbasa?
Yes! Will work great.?
Thank you, my family loves this recipe! I usually sauté the onions in bacon grease prior to adding to the crockpot for a bit of additional flavor. In addition, I like to add carrots and a 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar diluted in a cup of water.
Made this recipe yesterday and enjoyed it. Thyme adds a zing to the cabbage! Great way to use cabbage that just went on sale for 19 cents a pound!! I cooked 6 hours on low and potatoes were a little softer than I like, so next time I may reduce the cooking time by a little, or cut into bigger chunks. I usually use Vidalia onions but bought a yellow onion for this recipe – I liked that the yellow onion was not sweet – it makes a difference in this recipe!