🥣 Slow Cooker Cabbage and Noodles (Haluski)
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 4–6 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)
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Servings: 6
Ingredients
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1 medium head green cabbage (cored and shredded or chopped into 1-inch squares)
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1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
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1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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12 oz wide egg noodles
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Optional: 4–6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon or smoked kielbasa slices.
Instructions
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Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped cabbage and sliced onions into the slow cooker.
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Season: Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the vegetables. Toss lightly to distribute.
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Add Butter & Liquid: Pour the broth over the cabbage and top with the cubes of butter.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours (or High for 2 to 3 hours). The cabbage should be very tender and slightly golden.
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Prepare Noodles: About 15 minutes before serving, boil the egg noodles in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
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Combine: Fold the cooked noodles into the slow cooker with the cabbage mixture. Let them sit together on the “Warm” setting for 5–10 minutes so the noodles absorb the butter sauce.
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Serve: Season with extra black pepper and salt if needed. Top with bacon or kielbasa if using.
💡 Tips & Notes
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The “Brown” Factor: For deeper flavor, sauté the onions and cabbage in a skillet for 5 minutes before putting them in the slow cooker. This jumpstarts the caramelization.
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Don’t Overcook Noodles: Always cook the noodles separately. If you put dry noodles in the slow cooker, they often turn into a mushy paste.
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Cabbage Size: If you like some texture, chop the cabbage into larger squares. If you prefer it to “melt” into the noodles, shred it thinly.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Estimated values based on standard ingredients.
| Calories | Total Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fiber |
| 345 kcal | 18g | 38g | 9g | 5g |
✨ Benefits
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Budget-Friendly: Cabbage and noodles are some of the most affordable staples in the grocery store.
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High in Vitamin C & K: Cabbage is a powerhouse for immune health and bone density.
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Low Effort: Aside from boiling the noodles at the end, this is a “set it and forget it” meal.
❓ Common Questions
Q: Can I make this vegetarian/vegan?
A: Absolutely. Use vegetable broth and swap the butter for a high-quality vegan butter or olive oil.
Q: Can I add protein directly to the slow cooker?
A: Yes! Sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage works wonderfully. Add it at the beginning of the cook time so the smokiness infuses the cabbage.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day! Reheat in a skillet with a tiny splash of water or extra butter.