Oh my gosh, you have to try this Crockpot Cubed Steak Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes recipe! It’s been my go-to weeknight savior for years – ever since my neighbor Jan brought me a steaming bowl after I had my second baby. One bite and I was hooked. Now, as a busy mom of three, I swear by this hearty, dump-and-go meal that fills my kitchen with the most amazing smells while I chase toddlers. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pot – tender cubed steak, smoky sausage, sweet cabbage, and creamy potatoes swimming in rich broth. It’s comfort food magic with zero fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cubed Steak Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes
Listen, I know you’re busy – we all are! That’s why this recipe is my kitchen superhero. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Effortless prep: Just chop, dump, and walk away (seriously, it’s that simple)
- Flavor bomb: The steak, sausage, and veggies create this crazy-good broth as they cook
- One-pot wonder: Only the crockpot gets dirty – hallelujah!
- Crowd-pleaser: Picky eaters? Not a problem. Even my veggie-skeptic husbandron asks for seconds
Ingredients for Crockpot Cubed Steak Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! You probably have most of this in your fridge already – that’s the beauty of this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to make that magic happen:
- The meaty goodness: 1 lb cubed steak (cut into bite-size pieces), 1 lb smoked sausage (I like the pre-cooked kind, sliced into coins)
- Veggie power: 4 medium potatoes (diced – no need to peel!), 1 small head cabbage (chopped rough), 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Flavor makers: 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika (the secret flavor booster!)
Pro tip: If your grocery store doesn’t have cubed steak, just grab some round steak and give it a few whacks with a meat tenderizer. Works like a charm!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t stress – you barely need any tools for this recipe! Here’s what I grab:
- 6-quart crockpot (trust me, you’ll want the extra space for all those yummy ingredients)
- Cutting board & sharp knife (for quick chopping – I use my trusty chef’s knife)
No slow cooker? No problem! A Dutch oven works great too – just simmer on low for about 2 hours instead. Easy peasy!
How to Make Crockpot Cubed Steak Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple, but I’ve got a few tricks to make it extra delicious. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a meal that’ll make your whole house smell amazing.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
First things first – let’s chop! I like to do all my prep at once so I can just toss everything in the crockpot. Cube that steak into bite-size pieces (about 1-inch chunks work great). Slice the sausage into nice thick coins – about 1/2 inch thick. For the potatoes, I leave the skins on (extra nutrients and less work!) and dice them into 1-inch cubes. The cabbage? Just rough chop it – no need to be perfect here. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, and you’re ready to rock!
Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot
Here’s my secret for perfect cooking – layer smartly! I start with the potatoes on the bottom (they take longest to cook), then the cabbage, then the meats. Sprinkle the onion and garlic over everything. Pour that beef broth right over the top – it’ll seep down through all the layers as it cooks. Now, the seasoning! I mix the salt, pepper, and paprika together first, then sprinkle it evenly over everything. Give it one quick stir to distribute the seasonings, but don’t overmix – we want those pretty layers to do their thing.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Okay, decision time – low and slow or fast and hot? For weekdays, I usually set it on low for 6-8 hours (perfect for workdays – just dump it in the morning and come home to dinner ready). When I’m in a hurry, high for 3-4 hours works great. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the steak is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Give it one final gentle stir before serving – those juices at the bottom are liquid gold!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Cubed Steak Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes
After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to “wow!” Here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Brown first for bonus flavor: If you’ve got 5 extra minutes, sear the cubed steak and sausage in a skillet before adding to the crockpot. That caramelized crust adds incredible depth!
- Season in stages: I add half the spices at the beginning, then sprinkle the rest in during the last hour of cooking. It keeps the flavors bright.
- Don’t peek! Resist lifting that lid – every time you do, you add 15 minutes to the cooking time. Trust the process!
- Fresh herbs FTW: Toss in a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary at the end for a fancy touch (my kids pick them out, but the flavor stays!).
Remember – this recipe is super forgiving, so don’t stress! Even my “oops” versions have turned out delicious. If you are looking for other easy weeknight meals, check out this creamy broccoli chicken crescent bake.
Variations for Crockpot Cubed Steak Cabbage, Sausage, and Potatoes
Oh, the fun part – making this recipe your own! Here are my favorite twists:
- Sweet potato swap: Use orange sweet potatoes instead of regular for a vitamin boost and natural sweetness
- Lighter option: Turkey sausage works great if you’re watching calories (just add an extra pinch of paprika)
- Extra veggies: Toss in some sliced carrots or bell peppers with the cabbage – they cook down so nicely!
The beauty of this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for whatever you’ve got in the fridge! For more ideas on maximizing vegetable intake, check out this guide on recommended daily vegetable intake.
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you how we love to serve this cozy meal! I always grab a loaf of crusty French bread to mop up that incredible broth – my kids call it “soup bread” and fight over the last piece. A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. And those leftovers? Even better the next day! Just store them in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove – the flavors deepen overnight like magic. If you enjoy comforting soups, you might also like this crockpot creamy potato hamburger soup.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are estimates that’ll vary based on your exact ingredients. For one hearty serving (about 1/6 of the recipe), you’re looking at:
- 420 calories – perfect for a satisfying meal
- 28g protein from all that steak and sausage goodness
- 30g carbs – mostly from the potatoes and cabbage
- 6g fiber thanks to all those veggies
Not bad for a meal that tastes this indulgent, right? The cabbage and potatoes pack way more nutrients than you’d expect! Understanding the role of fiber in your diet is always helpful, especially with vegetable-heavy meals like this one, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This recipe freezes like a dream. I portion it into freezer-safe containers (leave about an inch of space at the top) and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove – it’s just as delicious!
Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked?
You bet! Just brown it first – fresh sausage needs that extra cooking time. I’ll often use Italian sausage when that’s what’s on sale. The flavor’s different but equally tasty. Pro tip: Poke the sausages with a fork before browning so they don’t burst in the crockpot.
My cabbage turns mushy – help!
Oh, I feel you! The trick is to cut the cabbage into big, hearty chunks (not thin shreds) and pack it loosely in the crockpot. If you’re extra worried, add it during the last 2 hours of cooking. Still gives it time to soak up flavors without turning to mush.
Can I make this without potatoes?
Sure thing! Just swap in more cabbage or add extra veggies like carrots or turnips. The cooking time might change a bit, so check for tenderness earlier. My keto-loving sister makes it this way and raves about it!
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my absolute favorite dump-and-go crockpot wonder! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own. Drop me a note when you do – I love hearing how families put their own spin on it. Happy slow cooking, friends!
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Hearty Crockpot Cubed Steak Cabbage Recipe with 6 Savory Ingredients
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring cubed steak, cabbage, sausage, and potatoes cooked in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cubed steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Place cubed steak, sausage, potatoes, cabbage, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Pour beef broth over the ingredients.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir gently before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brown the cubed steak and sausage before adding to the crockpot.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American