Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes with Garlic Butter Sauce

This Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is a simple, comforting, and flavorful dish made with tender cabbage wedges, soft golden potatoes, garlic, butter, and a delicious seasoned broth. Everything slowly cooks together until the cabbage becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and the potatoes absorb all the savory flavors.

It’s an easy, budget-friendly comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or a cozy side dish.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course / Side Dish
Cuisine: American-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Cabbage and Potatoes

• 1 medium green cabbage

• 1½ pounds (680 g) baby Yukon Gold potatoes

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For Garnishing

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• A pinch of paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves from the cabbage.

2. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cold running water.

3. Cut the cabbage into halves, then cut each half into thick wedges.

4. Keep a small portion of the core attached to each wedge so the cabbage holds its shape during slow cooking.

5. Set the cabbage wedges aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.

2. Peel the potatoes if desired, or leave the skins on for extra texture.

3. Cut larger potatoes into halves or quarters.

4. Keep smaller baby potatoes whole.

5. Make sure the pieces are approximately the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Seasoning

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.

2. Add the minced garlic.

3. Stir in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

4. Add Worcestershire sauce.

5. Mix everything until well combined.

6. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble Everything in the Slow Cooker

1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Spread the chopped onion evenly across the bottom.

3. Add the prepared potatoes.

4. Arrange the cabbage wedges over and around the potatoes.

5. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the vegetables.

6. Drizzle the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the cabbage and potatoes.

7. Use a spoon to distribute the seasonings throughout the broth.

8. Make sure the cabbage and potatoes are arranged evenly inside the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

2. Set the temperature to LOW and cook for approximately 4–6 hours.

3. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for approximately 2–3 hours.

4. Check the potatoes by inserting a fork into the largest piece.

5. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the cabbage should be soft and buttery.

6. Avoid stirring too frequently because the cabbage wedges can break apart.

7. Once everything is tender, turn off the slow cooker.

Step 6: Finish with Garlic Butter

1. Carefully remove the cabbage wedges using a large cooking spatula or slotted spoon.

2. Transfer the potatoes and cabbage to a large serving dish.

3. Spoon some of the flavorful garlic butter broth over the vegetables.

4. Drizzle with a little extra melted butter if desired.

5. Sprinkle fresh parsley and freshly cracked black pepper over the top.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Arrange the tender cabbage wedges in the center of a serving platter.

2. Place the golden potatoes around the cabbage.

3. Spoon additional savory broth over everything.

4. Add a light sprinkle of paprika for color.

5. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious buttery garlic flavor!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes: They have a naturally buttery flavor and hold their shape well.

• Cut thick cabbage wedges: This helps prevent the cabbage from falling apart.

• Don’t add too much liquid: Cabbage releases moisture as it cooks.

• Layer potatoes underneath: They benefit from the heat and flavorful broth at the bottom.

• Avoid excessive stirring: Keep the cabbage wedges intact.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste the broth before serving and add salt or pepper if needed.

• Add butter at the end: A little extra butter gives the vegetables a rich, glossy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Yes! Red cabbage works, although it has a slightly stronger flavor and may change the color of the broth.

Q2: Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Absolutely! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well. Cut them into evenly sized chunks.

Q3: Can I make this recipe without chicken broth?

Yes! Vegetable broth or water with a little extra seasoning can be used instead.

Q4: Can I add carrots to this recipe?

Yes! Add 1–2 cups of sliced carrots along with the potatoes for extra sweetness and color.

Q5: Can I add sausage or bacon?

Definitely! Smoked sausage, sliced kielbasa, or cooked bacon makes a delicious addition.

Q6: How do I know when the cabbage is done?

The cabbage should be soft, tender, and easy to pierce with a fork while still holding its wedge shape.

Q7: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and check that your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian.

Q8: How should I store leftovers?

Allow the vegetables to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Q9: How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a little broth, or microwave until thoroughly heated.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Per serving, based on 6 servings.

Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting dish with:

• Garlic butter chicken

• Grilled sausages

• Roasted beef

• Baked chicken thighs

• Crispy bacon

• Fresh garden salad

• Homemade cornbread

Enjoy this delicious Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes with tender cabbage, buttery potatoes, and rich garlic-seasoned broth!