This Slow Cooker Cabbage and Noodles recipe brings together cozy Midwestern and Eastern European comfort in one easy, budget-friendly meal. Inspired by dishes like haluski, it transforms cabbage, onions, and egg noodles into a soft, savory, buttery bowl of pure comfort. The slow cooker gently sweetens the cabbage, melts the onions, and infuses every bite with rich, home-style flavor while you go about your day. It’s warm, filling, affordable, and perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without standing over the stove.
Slow Cooker Cabbage and Noodles
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced | 1 small head (about 6–7 cups) |
| Yellow onion, thinly sliced | 1 medium |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 3 tablespoons (plus more to taste) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons, divided |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder (or fresh garlic) | 1 teaspoon (or 2 cloves minced) |
| Paprika (sweet or smoked, optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Vegetable or chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Wide egg noodles | 8 ounces |
| Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Caraway seeds (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish) | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
Thinly slice the cabbage and onion. Add them to a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
Drizzle with melted butter and olive oil, then season with 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and caraway seeds if using. Toss well to coat.
Pour in the broth and soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. The cabbage will look full but will cook down.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally if possible, until the cabbage is tender and reduced.
About 20 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles on the stovetop until just al dente and drain well.
Stir the cooked noodles into the cabbage mixture. Add remaining salt and extra butter if desired.
Cover and cook on LOW for 15–20 more minutes until flavors blend and everything is heated through.
Finish with parsley or chives if using, and serve warm with extra black pepper.
Variations & Tips
For added protein, stir in sliced cooked kielbasa, smoked sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken near the end of cooking. For a vegetarian boost, mix in drained white beans or chickpeas with the noodles. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a spoonful of sauerkraut for a tangy finish. To make it creamier, fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. Thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers can be added at the start for extra color and nutrition. Prep cabbage and onions the night before to save time in the morning. If you like a little crunch, stir in a handful of fresh raw cabbage right before serving for added texture.
