4-Ingredient Crockpot Cabbage and Potatoes
This easy slow-cooker recipe combines tender cabbage and buttery potatoes in a flavorful broth. It is an affordable, comforting side dish that requires very little preparation.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 2½–3½ hours on HIGH
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, cut into thick wedges
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or baby potatoes, cut into chunks
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
Optional: Add salt and black pepper according to taste if your broth is unsalted.
Instructions
- Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the tough core, and cut each quarter into two or three thick wedges.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if preferred, then cut them into evenly sized pieces approximately 1½–2 inches wide. Small baby potatoes may be left whole or cut in half.
- Place the potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Arranging them on the bottom helps them cook properly because they take longer to soften than cabbage.
- Arrange the cabbage wedges over the potatoes.
- Pour the chicken or vegetable broth evenly over the vegetables.
- Distribute the pieces of butter over the cabbage.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours. Avoid lifting the lid repeatedly because this releases heat and increases the cooking time.
- Check the potatoes with a fork. They should be tender but not completely falling apart. The cabbage should be soft with a slightly silky texture.
- Gently stir the vegetables or leave the cabbage in large wedges for serving. Taste the broth and add optional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Spoon the cabbage, potatoes, and some flavorful cooking broth into individual bowls. Serve warm.
Tips
- Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture and hold their shape well.
- Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Place the potatoes under the cabbage because they require more direct heat.
- Use low-sodium broth if you want greater control over the salt.
- For firmer cabbage, add it during the final 2–3 hours of cooking on LOW.
- Do not overfill the slow cooker. The lid should close completely.
- For a richer flavor, drizzle a little melted butter over each serving.
Optional Additions
To keep the base recipe at four ingredients, additions are not necessary. However, you may season individual portions with:
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley
- Chopped dill
- A splash of apple cider vinegar
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crockpot Cabbage and Potatoes alongside:
- Roast beef
- Baked chicken
- Pork chops
- Sausage
- Corned beef
- Meatloaf
- Grilled fish
- Crusty bread
It can also be served on its own as a simple vegetable soup by adding extra broth.
Storage
Let the leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat or microwave individual portions until steaming hot. Add a splash of broth if the vegetables appear dry.
Freezing is not recommended because potatoes can become grainy and cabbage may become overly soft after thawing.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 215
- Protein: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Sodium: 480 milligrams
Values will vary depending on the broth and potatoes used.
Benefits
- Cabbage provides fiber and vitamin C.
- Potatoes supply potassium and carbohydrates.
- The recipe is affordable and requires minimal preparation.
- Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy.
- Vegetable broth makes it suitable for a vegetarian meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red potatoes?
Yes. Red potatoes hold their shape well and work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I use red cabbage?
You can, but it will change the color and produce a slightly different flavor.
Why are my potatoes still firm?
They may be cut too large or placed above the cabbage. Keep them near the bottom of the slow cooker.
Can I add sausage or bacon?
Yes, although the recipe will no longer contain only four ingredients. Fully cooked sliced sausage can be added at the beginning.
Can I cook this overnight?
It is not recommended because the vegetables may become overly soft. Use a programmable slow cooker that switches to the warm setting automatically.







