If you’re looking for a comforting, low-effort side dish that’s full of flavor and shockingly simple to make, this slow cooker cabbage recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s so easy, it almost feels like cheating—but the result is tender, flavorful cabbage that melts in your mouth.
With just three additional ingredients, you can transform plain cabbage into a warm, buttery dish that pairs perfectly with meats, potatoes, or even stands alone for a light, low-carb meal. And the best part? It all comes together in your slow cooker with almost no effort at all.
Why Cabbage?
Cabbage is an underrated superfood—cheap, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. It’s packed with vitamins C and K, is naturally low in calories, and becomes incredibly tender and slightly sweet when slow-cooked. Plus, it absorbs surrounding flavors like a sponge, making it ideal for this easy 3-ingredient slow cooker trick.
The 3-Ingredient Magic Combo
To bring your cabbage to life, all you need is:
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Butter (or olive oil) – Adds richness and helps everything cook evenly.
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Onion Soup Mix – Yep, the dry packet! It’s full of herbs, spices, and savory depth that works wonders on cabbage.
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Chicken Broth – Infuses moisture and flavor into every bite.
Ingredients
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1 medium head of green cabbage, cut into wedges (leave the core to help hold shape)
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¼ cup butter, sliced into small pieces (or substitute with olive oil)
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1 packet dry onion soup mix
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1½ cups chicken broth
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Optional: cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or garlic for extra flair