You know those days when you want a hearty, comforting meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this keto crockpot cabbage and sausage recipe. It’s become my go-to on busy weeknights – throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a house smelling amazing. The cabbage gets melt-in-your-mouth tender while the sausage infuses everything with its smoky flavor. Honestly, I was skeptical at first about how simple it is, but trust me, this dish delivers big on flavor with almost no effort. The best part? It’s completely keto-friendly, packed with nutrients, and keeps me full for hours.

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Why You’ll Love This Keto Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage

This recipe has become my absolute favorite lazy-day meal for so many reasons. Let me tell you why you’ll adore it too:

Effortless prep – Chop a few veggies, brown the sausage, dump it all in the crockpot. That’s it! No fancy techniques required.
Seriously low-carb – With just 12g net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle while still feeling indulgent.
Flavor bomb – The smoky sausage, sweet cabbage, and aromatic spices create layers of flavor that taste like you spent all day cooking.
One-pot wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time to relax. Just the crockpot insert and one skillet to wash!

I swear, this dish has saved me on countless busy nights when I wanted something wholesome without the hassle. The way the cabbage soaks up all those delicious juices? Pure magic.

Ingredients for Keto Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage

Here’s everything you’ll need for this simple but flavorful dish. I’ve learned through trial and error that using the right ingredients makes all the difference:

1 medium head of cabbage (about 2 lbs), chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds (I prefer andouille for extra flavor)
1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp from the jar in a pinch)
1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for higher heat)
1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds wonderful depth)
½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste after cooking)
½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake)

That’s it! Just nine simple ingredients that transform into something magical in your crockpot.

Equipment Needed for Keto Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe – just a few basic kitchen tools:

6-quart crockpot (or similar size slow cooker)
Large skillet for browning the sausage
Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
Wooden spoon for stirring

That’s seriously all you need! I love recipes that don’t require digging through every kitchen drawer.

How to Make Keto Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage

This recipe couldn’t be simpler, but following these steps ensures perfect results every time. Here’s exactly how I make it:

Sautéing the Aromatics

First, heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat – you’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly. Add your diced onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently. You want them softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t let the garlic burn or it’ll turn bitter! This step builds the flavor foundation, so resist the urge to rush it.

Browning the Sausage

Now add those beautiful sausage slices to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side – just until they develop those gorgeous golden-brown edges. The Maillard reaction (that fancy term for browning) amps up the smoky flavor tenfold. But watch closely – overcooked sausage gets tough and rubbery.

Slow Cooking the Cabbage Mixture

Transfer the sausage mixture to your crockpot and add the chopped cabbage. Sprinkle everything with paprika, pepper, and salt. Pour in the chicken broth – I like to drizzle it around the edges so it distributes evenly. Give it one gentle stir just to combine, then cover. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (my preferred method for tender cabbage) or HIGH for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time. The cabbage should be silky soft but not mushy when done.

Pro tip: I usually stir everything halfway through cooking if I’m around – it helps the flavors mingle beautifully. But if you forget? No worries, it’ll still taste amazing!

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your keto crockpot cabbage and sausage turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t overcrowd the crockpot: If your crockpot is too full, the ingredients won’t cook evenly. If you’re doubling the recipe, use a larger crockpot or split it into two.
Adjust cooking time as needed: Slow cookers can vary in temperature. Check the cabbage for tenderness at the lower end of the cooking time range.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. Remember that the sausage can be salty, so season cautiously.

These little tweaks make a big difference in achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture and balanced flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge or your personal tastes. Here are some of my favorite swaps:

Sausage options: Andouille gives a kick, but smoked turkey sausage works great for less fat. Fresh Italian sausage (browned first) adds herby notes.
Veggie boost: Toss in sliced mushrooms with the onions or add a diced bell pepper for color. Both stay keto-friendly!
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of hot sauce takes the heat level up a notch.
Broth alternatives: Beef broth makes it richer, or use veggie broth to keep it plant-based.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – this recipe is super forgiving. Just keep an eye on your carb counts if you’re strictly keto!

Serving Suggestions for Keto Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to make it feel like a complete meal. My go-to is cauliflower rice – the mild flavor soaks up all those delicious juices beautifully. For crunch, I’ll often toss together a quick arugula salad with lemon dressing. On chilly nights, a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle of sharp cheddar takes it to comfort food heaven. Leftovers? They’re amazing scrambled with eggs the next morning – trust me!

Storing and Reheating Keto Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage

This dish keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep! I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – though honestly, in my house it never lasts that long. When reheating, I’ve learned a few tricks: microwave small portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, or warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Whatever you do, don’t overcook it – the cabbage gets too soft. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags (remove as much air as possible) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information for Keto Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1¼ cups) based on my exact ingredients. Remember, your numbers might vary slightly depending on your specific sausage brand or vegetable sizes:

Calories: 320 – Perfect for a satisfying meal without going overboard
Total Fat: 24g (8g saturated) – Mostly from that delicious, flavorful sausage
Total Carbs: 12g – The cabbage adds just the right amount
Fiber: 5g – Helping you hit those daily fiber goals
Net Carbs: 7g – Keeping it safely in keto territory
Protein: 14g – Great for staying full and maintaining muscle
Sodium: 850mg – Mostly from the sausage, so choose low-sodium if needed

I always tell my keto friends – this dish gives you that comforting, hearty feel without the carb overload. The cabbage provides great nutrients too, like vitamin C and K. Just be sure to adjust seasonings if you’re watching sodium – I sometimes use half the salt and add extra garlic instead!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about this keto cabbage and sausage recipe all the time! Here are the questions that pop up most often:

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion it out before freezing so you can easily reheat single servings. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

Is this recipe spicy?
It’s as spicy as you want it to be! Regular smoked sausage gives mild flavor, while andouille adds kick. I often add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes when browning the sausage for my spice-loving husband. The kids prefer it without.

Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked?
You bet – just brown it thoroughly first! Fresh Italian or bratwurst sausages work great. Remove casings if they’re tough, and break the meat into small chunks as it cooks. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

My cabbage turned out mushy – what happened?
You probably overcooked it. Cabbage needs just 4 hours on low to become perfectly tender. If your crockpot runs hot, check at 3½ hours. The pieces should hold their shape but yield easily to a fork.

Share Your Keto Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage Experience

Nothing makes me happier than hearing how this recipe turns out in your kitchen! Did your family gobble it up like mine does? Maybe you put your own spin on it with extra veggies or different spices. I’d love to know – what worked for you? What changes did you make? Your tweaks might just inspire my next batch!

Some of my favorite moments come when readers share photos of their finished dishes. That golden-brown sausage nestled in tender cabbage, steam rising from the bowl – it’s like getting a little window into kitchens across the country. And when someone tells me this recipe became their new weeknight staple? That’s the best compliment of all.

So tell me – was the cabbage perfectly tender? Did the smoky flavors hit the spot? Your notes help me create even better recipes and help fellow cooks too. Every comment, every star rating, every shared photo makes this little cooking community richer. Can’t wait to hear your stories!

Hearty 7-Ingredient Keto Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage Bliss

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A simple and hearty keto-friendly dish with cabbage and sausage cooked in a crockpot.

Author: Kitchen Hub
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
Add sausage slices and cook until lightly browned.
Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
Add chopped cabbage, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Pour in chicken broth and stir well.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Stir before serving.

Notes

Use any type of smoked sausage you prefer.
Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 50mg