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Keto Crockpot Sausage & Cabbage Stew - Cozy, Low-Carb Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 1.5 pounds smoked sausage or kielbasa (choose sugar-free, low-carb; sliced into coins)
  • 1 small head green cabbage (about 6–7 cups, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 medium onion (yellow or white, diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 celery stalks (sliced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth (check labels for hidden sugars)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (no sugar added)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for browning)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, chopped for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Prep the veggies: Chop the cabbage, onion, celery, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Keep the cabbage in larger chunks so it holds up to long cooking.
  2. Slice the sausage: Cut into 1/2-inch coins. If your sausage has a casing, leave it on—it helps keep the pieces intact.
  3. Brown the sausage: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear the sausage until nicely browned on both sides, 4–6 minutes. This step adds rich flavor.
  4. Bloom the aromatics: In the same skillet, add onion and celery. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Build the base: Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook 1 minute to caramelize. Pour in 1 cup of the broth and scrape up browned bits. This boosts depth in the stew.
  6. Load the crockpot: Add cabbage, bell pepper, diced tomatoes (with juices), the skillet mixture, browned sausage, remaining broth, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded.
  8. Finish and adjust: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika. If you want it thicker, let it simmer uncovered on High for 15–20 minutes.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley. Optional: Add a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for richness.