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Picture this: you come home after work, drop your bags, and before you even kick your shoes off, you catch that smell — warm, savory, familiar. That’s this stew. It’s the Midwest wrapped up in a bowl, the kind of thing that makes you say, “You know what? I think I’ll have seconds.”
If you’ve ever had your grandma tell you “Just throw what you’ve got in a pot and let it cook,” this is exactly what she meant.
Meet Your New Weeknight Hero
Let’s not pretend we’re all standing over the stove after a long day. Some nights you just want dinner to make itself. That’s what slow cookers are for — and this 4-Ingredient Cabbage Stew might be the laziest genius move you’ll pull this season.
Four things. One pot. Minimal chopping. Maximum comfort. That’s it — that’s the pitch.
The Ingredients (Yes, Really Just Four)
No fancy grocery run. No triple-checking your pantry. Here’s what you need:
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1 small head of cabbage (cut it into wedges — rustic is fine, we’re not on a cooking show)
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1 pound smoked sausage (kielbasa? Andouille? Dealer’s choice)
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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4 cups chicken broth (boxed, homemade — no one’s peeking)
If you’ve got these, you’ve basically got dinner handled.
Set It and Forget It — The Midwest Way
Here’s how this goes down:
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Wedge that cabbage and layer it in the slow cooker.
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Scatter your sausage slices on top — don’t overthink it.
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Pour in the tomatoes, juice and all.
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Drown the whole thing in chicken broth until it’s mostly swimming.
Lid on. Set to low for 6-8 hours if you’re off to work or high for 3-4 hours if you’re running behind (been there). That’s it. You can go about your life while your kitchen starts to smell like you’ve been cooking for hours — which technically, you have. Just with none of the actual effort.
Here’s a Fun Secret: It’s Hard to Mess Up
I know folks who can’t boil pasta without Googling it, and they nail this stew every time. It’s just that forgiving.
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Vegetarian in the house? Plant-based sausage or a can of beans steps in nicely.
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Craving a little heat? Red pepper flakes, a few shakes of hot sauce — you do you.
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Want it chunkier? A couple of peeled potatoes tossed in with the cabbage will soak up all that goodness.
This is one of those recipes you can tinker with based on what’s lurking in your fridge. Leftover carrots? Throw ‘em in. Half an onion? Sure, why not.
What To Serve It With (You’ll Want Something to Mop Up That Broth)
I’d argue this stew’s only flaw is that you’ll want to scrape up every last drop — so give it some help.
A thick slice of buttered bread? Perfect. A flaky biscuit? Yes, please. Cornbread if you’re feeling nostalgic for grandma’s house.
If you’re determined to squeeze in something green, toss together a quick salad — spinach, a few cherry tomatoes, maybe a splash of vinaigrette. It’ll feel fancy, but it’s really just there to keep your conscience happy.
Leftovers? Even Better.
You know those meals that taste better the next day? This is one of them. The cabbage goes all soft and sweet, the sausage shares its smoky goodness with the broth, and the tomatoes mellow out.
Pop the leftovers in a container — or let’s be real, a recycled butter tub — and you’ve got lunch or an easy reheat for tomorrow. Some folks even swear by freezing a batch for emergencies. Smart move if you ask me.
Cheap, Cheerful, and Foolproof
When people ask me for a “budget-friendly meal,” I point them here. When they want “comfort food,” same answer. When they want “something I can’t ruin even if I try”? Bingo.
There’s something pretty special about a meal that doesn’t ask for much but gives you back so much more — warmth, nostalgia, maybe a few happy sighs around the dinner table.
So Go Ahead — Throw It in the Pot
Next time the Midwest wind rattles your windows or you’re just craving something that feels like a hug from your favorite aunt, remember this stew.
Four ingredients. One pot. A house that smells amazing. And a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things really do taste the best.