Print

Easy Crockpot Kielbasa Cabbage Soup – Best Cozy Dinner

crockpot kielbasa cabbage soup - featured image
Print Recipe

This hearty, slow-cooked soup combines smoked kielbasa, tender cabbage, and potatoes in a savory broth. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers deep, comforting flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz smoked kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 small head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced into ½-inch pieces
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the kielbasa: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to the slow cooker using a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the rendered fat. Sauté for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
  3. Layer the vegetables: Add the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with juices). Add the dried thyme, bay leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well.
  5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is soft.
  6. Final adjustments: About 15 minutes before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the kielbasa—it’s key for deep flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit kielbasa, use vegetable broth, and add an extra can of beans. For a low-carb version, omit potatoes and add extra cabbage or zucchini in the last hour. The soup tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot kielbasa cabbage soup, slow cooker soup, kielbasa soup, cabbage soup, easy dinner, cozy soup, hearty soup

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/easy-crockpot-kielbasa-cabbage-soup-best-cozy-dinner/