A slow cooker dinner has a certain calming effect on the entire house. The slow cooker handled most of the work, but before you know it, the kitchen smells like you’ve been cooking all day. You dump everything in and let it cook slowly.
Last weekend, my family and I prepared Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes, and it was one of those dishes that vanished practically as soon as it was set out. After telling me how much her family loved the recipe, a friend suggested it to me..
Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes — Anti-Inflammatory Comfort Food
This Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is a cozy, budget-friendly one-pot meal featuring tender cabbage wedges, creamy baby potatoes, garlic, onion, herbs, and a savory broth. It can easily be made into a more anti-inflammatory-inspired recipe by using extra-virgin olive oil, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and plenty of herbs while keeping added sodium and processed ingredients moderate.
Note: No single food or recipe can treat inflammation or disease. This recipe simply emphasizes nutrient-dense ingredients commonly included in an overall anti-inflammatory eating pattern.
🥬 Recipe Description
Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes is an easy healthy slow cooker recipe that requires minimal preparation. The cabbage becomes exceptionally tender while the potatoes absorb the garlicky, herbed broth.
It’s naturally vegetarian if vegetable broth is used, and it’s an excellent option for easy weeknight dinners, meal prep, budget-friendly meals, healthy comfort food, and plant-forward recipes.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Servings
6 servings
Ingredients
Vegetables
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1 large green cabbage, cut into 6–8 wedges
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1½–2 lb (700–900 g) baby potatoes, halved if large
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1 medium yellow onion, sliced
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5–6 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
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2 carrots, sliced — optional
Anti-Inflammatory-Inspired Seasoning
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1½ teaspoons turmeric
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes — optional
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1 bay leaf
Liquid
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3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Healthy Fat
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Optional
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1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a savory flavor
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Fresh parsley or cilantro for serving
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Lemon wedges
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Pumpkin seeds or toasted sunflower seeds
How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes
1. Prepare the vegetables
Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Halve larger potatoes.
Remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves and cut the cabbage into thick wedges, keeping a little of the core attached so the wedges stay together.
2. Build the slow cooker
Place the sliced onion and carrots on the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the potato pieces around and underneath the cabbage.
Arrange the cabbage wedges on top.
3. Make the seasoned broth
In a bowl, combine:
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Vegetable broth
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Minced garlic
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Fresh ginger
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Turmeric
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Smoked paprika
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Thyme
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Parsley
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Cumin
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Black pepper
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Red pepper flakes
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice
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Apple cider vinegar
Pour the mixture over the vegetables.
4. Slow cook
Cover and cook:
LOW: 5–7 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes and cabbage pieces.
The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is soft.
5. Finish and serve
Remove the bay leaf.
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add additional lemon juice, black pepper, or herbs if desired.
Drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve this healthy cabbage and potato recipe as a main dish or side.
For a high-protein meal
Add:
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White beans
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Chickpeas
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Lentils
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Grilled chicken
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Baked salmon
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Turkey
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Tofu or tempeh
For a low-carb variation
Replace some or all of the potatoes with:
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Cauliflower
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Broccoli
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Turnips
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Rutabaga
For a complete dinner
Serve alongside:
Slow Cooker Cabbage + Potatoes + Grilled Salmon + Lemon
or
Cabbage + Potatoes + White Beans + Fresh Herbs
For extra texture, top with roasted pumpkin seeds.
🌿 Anti-Inflammatory Recipe Benefits
This recipe contains several ingredients frequently used in anti-inflammatory meal plans.
Cabbage
Cabbage provides fiber and vitamin C and is part of the cruciferous vegetable family.
Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur-containing compounds and adds substantial flavor without requiring large amounts of salt.
Ginger
Fresh ginger provides naturally occurring bioactive compounds and adds warmth and brightness.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a naturally occurring compound that has been extensively studied for its biological effects. Using turmeric in food is different from taking concentrated curcumin supplements.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fat and plant compounds and fits well into Mediterranean-style eating patterns.
Potatoes
Potatoes provide carbohydrates, potassium, and other nutrients. Keeping the skin on when appropriate can also increase fiber.
🔄 Variations
1. Slow Cooker Cabbage, Potatoes and White Beans
Add 2 cans of rinsed cannellini or great northern beans during the final 30–60 minutes.
This makes the dish more filling and increases its plant-based protein and fiber.
2. Cabbage and Potatoes With Chicken
Add approximately 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs beneath the cabbage.
Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
3. Mediterranean Cabbage and Potatoes
Add:
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Oregano
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Fresh parsley
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Lemon zest
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Extra-virgin olive oil
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Kalamata olives
Finish with fresh lemon juice.
4. Spicy Cabbage and Potatoes
Add:
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Crushed red pepper
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Smoked paprika
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Cayenne
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A small amount of chili powder
5. Creamy Cabbage and Potatoes
After cooking, mash a few potatoes directly into the broth. Stir in a small amount of unsweetened Greek yogurt just before serving for a creamy texture.
Do not add the yogurt while the slow cooker is cooking.
6. Vegan Cabbage and Potatoes
Use vegetable broth and olive oil, then add chickpeas or white beans for protein.
7. Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Version
Use:
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Green cabbage
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Regular potatoes
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Carrots
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Onion
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Garlic
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Dried herbs
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Homemade or low-sodium broth
These inexpensive ingredients can create several servings of healthy meal prep food.
🥣 Storage and Meal Prep
Allow leftovers to cool promptly and refrigerate in airtight containers.
Refrigerator: generally 3–4 days.
Freezer: potatoes can become somewhat softer after freezing and thawing, but the dish can still be frozen for convenient meal prep.
For best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
📊 Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings and using the basic recipe:
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Calories: ~240–280
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Protein: ~6–7 g
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Carbohydrates: ~40–45 g
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Fat: ~8–9 g
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Fiber: ~7–9 g
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Sugar: ~7–9 g
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Sodium: varies substantially according to the broth
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Potassium: substantial contribution from potatoes and vegetables
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Vitamin C: substantial contribution from cabbage
Nutrition will vary according to potato size, broth, oil quantity, and optional ingredients.
For a higher-protein meal, add beans, lentils, tofu, chicken, or fish.
💡 Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes
Don’t cut the cabbage too small. Large wedges hold together better during slow cooking.
Keep the potatoes similar in size. This helps them finish cooking at approximately the same time.
Use low-sodium broth. You can always add salt at the end.
Don’t skip the acid. Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar helps balance the richness of the potatoes and broth.
Add fresh herbs at the end. Parsley, cilantro, or dill can dramatically brighten the finished dish.
Don’t overcook the potatoes. Once they’re fork-tender, they’re ready.
❓ Related Questions
Is Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes healthy?
It can be a nutrient-dense meal, particularly when prepared with vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and a low-sodium broth. For a more complete meal, add a protein source such as beans, lentils, tofu, chicken, or fish.
Is cabbage good for an anti-inflammatory diet?
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable and provides fiber, vitamin C, and other plant compounds. It can fit well into an overall balanced eating pattern that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and unsaturated fats.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and extra-virgin olive oil. Adding chickpeas, lentils, or white beans makes it more substantial.
Can I make it without potatoes?
Absolutely. Substitute cauliflower, turnips, rutabaga, sweet potatoes, or additional carrots.
Can I add meat?
Yes. Chicken thighs, turkey sausage, or another protein can turn this into a more substantial one-pot dinner.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be portioned into containers for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, although the color and flavor will be different. Green cabbage gives the dish the appearance and texture shown in the photo.
🥗 Easy Anti-Inflammatory Meal Formula
For a more balanced meal, think:
½ plate vegetables + ¼ plate protein + ¼ plate quality carbohydrates + healthy fat
For example:
Slow Cooker Cabbage & Potatoes + White Beans + Extra-Virgin Olive Oil + Fresh Lemon
This provides a combination of vegetables, plant protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and unsaturated fat.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cabbage and Potatoes is a simple example of how inexpensive ingredients can become satisfying healthy comfort food. The cabbage becomes silky and tender, the potatoes absorb the savory garlic-and-herb broth, and turmeric, ginger, garlic, lemon, and olive oil give the dish an anti-inflammatory-inspired flavor profile.
