There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of tender cabbage slowly cooking away, especially when it’s paired with the rich, savory goodness of beef bacon. This Slow Cooker Buttery Garlic Cabbage with Beef Bacon is a delightful weeknight meal that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Imagine coming home to a warm, inviting dish that melts in your mouth, infused with buttery garlic and the perfectly crispy bites of beef bacon. It not only fills your kitchen with enticing scents but also solves the age-old problem of getting your family to eat their veggies—trust me, they won’t be able to resist! Plus, with just a little bit of prep work and a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while you tackle your evening to-do list. Ready to create this family favorite? Here’s exactly how to make it.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage:

• 1 large green cabbage, cut into thick wedges
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Beef Bacon:

• 8 ounces beef bacon, chopped

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture — The slow cooking process transforms cabbage into silky, tender wedges that absorb all the buttery flavors.
• Effortless cooking — With just 20 minutes of prep and a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
• Kid-approved veggies — The savory, crispy beef bacon and buttery garlic make this dish irresistible for even the pickiest eaters.
• Wholesome ingredients — Packed with simple, nourishing components like cabbage and beef bacon, this recipe is a great way to sneak in those greens.
• Perfectly comforting aroma — Your kitchen will fill with the heartwarming scent of garlic and bacon, making it hard not to gather around the table for dinner!

Recipe At a Glance

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 6

Instructions

1. Wash the cabbage thoroughly under cool running water and remove any damaged outer leaves.
2. Cut the cabbage into thick wedges, keeping part of the core attached.
3. Chop the beef bacon into bite-sized pieces.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped beef bacon.
5. Cook the beef bacon for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and lightly crisp.
6. Transfer the cooked beef bacon to a plate and set aside.
7. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt completely.
8. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth into a 6-quart slow cooker.
10. Arrange the cabbage wedges in the slow cooker.
11. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cabbage.
12. Sprinkle the onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt over the cabbage.
13. Scatter half of the cooked beef bacon around the cabbage wedges.
14. Cut the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and place them evenly over the cabbage wedges.
15. Cover the slow cooker securely with the lid.
16. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours until the cabbage is very tender, avoiding lifting the lid during the first 4 hours of cooking.
17. Near the end of cooking, check the cabbage for tenderness.
18. Spoon some of the buttery cooking liquid over the cabbage.
19. Scatter the remaining beef bacon over the cabbage and cover the slow cooker again.
20. Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
21. Turn off the slow cooker and allow the cabbage to rest for 5 minutes.
22. Transfer the cabbage wedges to serving plates and spoon the garlic butter broth and beef bacon over each serving.
23. Serve warm and enjoy!

Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-Free Option — Replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil. This will maintain the richness of the dish while making it suitable for a dairy-free diet.

• Pork Alternative — If beef bacon isn't available, substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option that still offers a satisfying crunch and flavor.

• Seasoning Variation — Swap out smoked paprika for regular paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, enhancing the dish's flavor profile while keeping its savory essence.

• Broth Swap — Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to cater to vegetarian preferences while still providing a good depth of flavor to the cabbage.

What to Serve With This

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes — Their rich, buttery texture complements the savory garlic cabbage and beef bacon beautifully.
• Classic Caesar Salad — The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish.
• Light Beer or Cider — A cold, light beer or a crisp apple cider balances the richness and enhances the garlicky flavors of the dish.
• Chocolate Mousse — This dessert's silky smoothness and slight bitterness offer a delightful counterpoint to the savory elements of the meal.

Recipe Tips

• Cabbage Cutting Technique — When cutting the cabbage, leave part of the core attached to each wedge. This helps the cabbage hold its shape during cooking and ensures even tenderization throughout.

• Perfect Garlic Timing — Be careful not to burn the garlic after adding it to the melted butter. Cook it just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) before adding the broth to preserve its flavor and prevent bitterness.

• Bacon Crispiness Check — For perfectly crispy beef bacon, ensure it is browned well before adding it to the slow cooker. If you have any excess fat, consider draining it to avoid greasy cabbage.

• Cooking Liquid Visual Cue — As you monitor the cabbage, look for the liquid in the slow cooker. If it’s bubbling, it indicates the cooking process is on track. If you notice it’s evaporating too quickly (especially before the first 4 hours), add a splash more chicken broth to maintain moisture.

• Make-Ahead Option — If you're short on time, you can prep the cabbage and bacon the night before. Simply store them in the fridge in separate containers and layer them in the slow cooker in the morning before cooking. This makes the entire dish come together quickly.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover Slow Cooker Buttery Garlic Cabbage with Beef Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep the buttery broth with the cabbage to retain moisture and flavor.

• Freezer: This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the cabbage, which can become mushy after thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the cabbage and beef bacon in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap and heat in the microwave on medium power for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed. Avoid high heat to prevent the cabbage from becoming overly soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the beef bacon with another type of bacon?
Yes, you can substitute beef bacon with regular bacon, turkey bacon, or even a plant-based bacon alternative, but keep in mind that the flavor and cooking time may vary slightly.

How can I make this dish in advance and what should I do to prepare?
You can prep the cabbage and bacon the night before and store them in separate containers in the fridge. Layer them in the slow cooker in the morning before cooking to streamline the process.

What should I do if my cabbage wedges aren't tender after cooking?
If the cabbage wedges are not tender after 5 to 6 hours, cover the slow cooker again and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, checking for tenderness regularly.

Can I use a different type of broth if I don’t have chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth or beef broth can be used as alternatives to chicken broth, both adding unique flavors to the dish while retaining the recipe's essence.