Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!
Why You'll Love This slow cooker hearty cabbage potato and sausage soup for cold nights
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep work and can be left to cook while you're doing other things.
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of potatoes, cabbage, and sausage makes for a filling and satisfying meal that's perfect for cold winter nights.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes by adding or substituting different ingredients - such as using different types of sausage or adding in some diced bell peppers.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is designed to be made in a slow cooker, which means you can throw all the ingredients in and let it cook while you're busy with other things.
- Affordable: This recipe is made with affordable ingredients, making it a great option for families or those on a budget.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch of soup, which can be portioned out and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Flavorful Broth: The slow cooking process allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful broth that's perfect for dipping bread or crackers.
- Comforting and Cozy: This recipe is the perfect comfort food for cold winter nights - it's like a big hug in a bowl!
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are the potatoes, cabbage, sausage, and chicken broth. The potatoes add a nice thickness and heartiness to the soup, while the cabbage provides a nice crunch and flavor. The sausage is the star of the show, adding a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the broth. Finally, the chicken broth is the base of the soup, providing a rich and flavorful foundation for all the other ingredients. When selecting these ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality options - such as fresh cabbage and potatoes, and savory sausage. You can also customize the recipe by using different types of sausage or adding in other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or carrots.
How to Make slow cooker hearty cabbage potato and sausage soup for cold nights
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sausage. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Chop the cabbage, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the slow cooker with the browned sausage.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose a savory sausage that's made with high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the soup.
The vegetables should be tender but still crisp. If you overcook them, they'll become mushy and unappetizing.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can add a nice brightness to the soup.
Try adding some dried herbs or spices to the soup to give it a unique flavor. Some options include paprika, garlic powder, or dried thyme.
Try using a combination of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for a nice balance of flavor and texture.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some other seasonings, such as dried herbs or spices, to give it a unique flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Not Browning the Sausage: Failing to brown the sausage can result in a lack of flavor in the soup. Make sure to cook the sausage until it's nicely browned before adding the other ingredients.
Fix: Take the time to brown the sausage properly, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
-
Overcooking the Vegetables: Overcooking the vegetables can make them mushy and unappetizing. Make sure to check on them periodically and remove them from the heat when they're tender but still crisp.
Fix: Check the vegetables regularly and remove them from the heat when they're done. You can also add them to the soup towards the end of cooking time to prevent overcooking.
-
Not Seasoning the Soup: Failing to season the soup can result in a lack of flavor. Make sure to taste the soup as you go and add salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed.
Fix: Taste the soup regularly and add seasonings as needed. You can also add some acidity, such as a squeeze of lemon juice, to brighten the flavors.
-
Not Using High-Quality Ingredients: Using low-quality ingredients can result in a lack of flavor in the soup. Make sure to choose high-quality sausage, vegetables, and broth for the best results.
Fix: Choose high-quality ingredients, such as savory sausage and fresh vegetables, to ensure the best flavor in the soup.
Variations & Substitutions
Try using spicy sausage, such as Andouille or chorizo, to add a kick to the soup.
Omit the sausage and add some extra vegetables, such as diced carrots or zucchini, to make a vegetarian version of the soup.
Use low-sodium broth to reduce the salt content of the soup. You can also use homemade broth or stock for added flavor.
Omit the cream or cheese and use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk, to make a dairy-free version of the soup.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The soup can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it's best to refrigerate or freeze it to prevent bacterial growth.
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, adding a little water if needed to thin it out.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently over low heat, adding a little water if needed to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes! You can use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage, to give the soup a unique flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of seasoning accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check the ingredients of the sausage and broth to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I add other ingredients to the soup?
Yes! You can add other ingredients, such as diced carrots or zucchini, to the soup to make it more substantial. Just be sure to adjust the amount of broth accordingly.
How do I reheat the soup?
You can reheat the soup gently over low heat, adding a little water if needed to thin it out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes! You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently over low heat, adding a little water if needed to thin it out.
How do I serve the soup?
You can serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side. You can also serve it with a side of crackers or crusty bread for dipping.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe makes a large batch of soup, making it perfect for a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group.
slow cooker hearty cabbage potato and sausage soup for cold nights
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head cabbage, shredded
- 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Soften the Onions. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Aromatics. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add Cabbage and Potatoes. Add the shredded cabbage and diced potatoes to the slow cooker. Top with the browned sausage, softened onion, and garlic.
- Step 5: Add Broth and Tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Season and Cook. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Step 7: Serve. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Let the soup cool, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
- Make ahead: Brown the sausage and cook the onion and garlic up to a day in advance.
- Substitution: Use ground sausage or bacon if preferred.
- Pro tip: For a creamier soup, add 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
