There's something incredibly comforting about the combination of turkey bacon and cabbage, particularly when it's simmering away in a slow cooker, filling your home with a savory aroma that beckons everyone to the table. This Slow Cooker Turkey Bacon and Cabbage dish has become a family favorite, transforming a simple weeknight into a cozy gathering. Perfect for busy evenings, it effortlessly melds the earthy sweetness of cabbage with the smoky crunch of turkey bacon, making it an ideal solution for those looking to please picky eaters or use up that head of cabbage lurking in your fridge. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also allows you to enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort—just set it and forget it! If you’re ready to whip up this delightful one-pot wonder, here's exactly how to make it.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 large head green cabbage, cut into wedges
- 8 to 10 slices thick cut turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Note: You can use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon if desired.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Convenience — With just 20 minutes of prep and the slow cooker doing the work, you can focus on more important things while dinner cooks itself.
- Savory Comfort — The combination of turkey bacon and cabbage creates a rich, smoky flavor that instantly brings a sense of warmth and hominess to your meal.
- Kid-Friendly Appeal — Smoky turkey bacon paired with tender cabbage makes this dish a hit with picky eaters, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
- Minimal Cleanup — It’s a one-pot wonder, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze and giving you more time to relax with your family.
- Flavorful Leftovers — Any extra servings can be easily reheated the next day, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness for lunch without any extra effort.
Recipe At a Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Instructions
- Wash the cabbage thoroughly under cold running water.
- Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage.
- Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the tough center core from each quarter.
- Cut each quarter into large wedges.
- Chop the turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped turkey bacon to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned.
- Transfer the cooked turkey bacon to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Place the cabbage wedges into the slow cooker on top of the onion and garlic mixture.
- Pour the chicken broth over the cabbage wedges.
- Add the unsalted butter, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until the cabbage is tender, gently turning the cabbage halfway through cooking.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
- Stir gently to distribute the seasoning and broth.
- Taste the cabbage and adjust the salt if needed.
- Serve the cabbage warm, with the turkey bacon spooned over the top, ensuring it's steaming and tender.
Substitutions & Variations
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Regular Bacon — You can substitute regular bacon for turkey bacon if you prefer a richer flavor and a bit more fat. Just keep in mind that the dish will be higher in calories.
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Vegetarian Option — For a vegetarian alternative, replace turkey bacon with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for added flavor while retaining the texture. This maintains the smoky notes without meat.
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Different Greens — If cabbage is not available, you can use kale or collard greens instead. Both will provide a slightly different texture and flavor but will still work well in this slow-cooked dish.
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Broth Swap — Instead of chicken broth, try using vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian/vegan while still delivering a savory base.
Recipe Tips
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Avoid Overcooking the Cabbage — Cabbage can become mushy if cooked too long; ensure you're checking for tenderness around the 5-hour mark to achieve a perfect texture.
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Pre-char the Bacon — For extra depth of flavor, consider crisping the turkey bacon until golden in the skillet before adding it to the slow cooker; this enhances the overall taste of the dish.
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Layering Ingredients Wisely — Place heavier ingredients like the cabbage wedges on top of lighter ones (like bacon and onions) in the slow cooker to help steam the cabbage evenly.
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Quickly Prep the Cabbage — If you're short on time, slice the cabbage into thinner strips instead of wedges; they'll cook faster and retain a pleasing texture.
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Boost Flavors with Vinegar Timing — Adding the apple cider vinegar during the final 15 minutes not only brightens the dish but also prevents the cabbage from becoming too soft, maintaining a delightful crunch.
What to Serve With This
- Mashed Potatoes — The creamy texture and buttery flavor complement the savory richness of the turkey bacon and cabbage.
- Sparkling Cider — Its crisp and slightly sweet notes balance the dish’s savory elements, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Apple Crisp — This warm dessert adds a delightful contrast with its sweetness and spice, rounding out the comfort food theme beautifully.
- Garlic Bread — The crunchy and savory garlic bread offers a perfect textural contrast to the tender cabbage while soaking up the casserole's delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Allow the Slow Cooker Turkey Bacon and Cabbage to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
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Freezer: This dish does not freeze particularly well due to the high water content in cabbage, which can result in an unappetizing texture when thawed. It's best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to help maintain moisture, for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?
Yes, you can use Savoy or Napa cabbage instead of green cabbage, as they have a similar texture and flavor profile, but note that cook times may vary slightly.
What can I substitute for turkey bacon if I’m avoiding pork?
You can use a plant-based bacon alternative or smoked turkey sausage in place of turkey bacon to maintain a similar flavor while keeping it pork-free.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator, then simply combine everything in the slow cooker in the morning before cooking.
What should I do if the cabbage becomes overcooked and mushy?
To prevent this from happening, make sure to check the cabbage for tenderness around the 5-hour mark and adjust cooking time if needed, as cooking longer will lead to a mushy texture.