YUM! Tender, buttery, and caramelized to absolute perfection, these Slow Cooker Butter Garlic Cabbage Steaks transform a humble vegetable into a rich, mouthwatering side dish! Slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth soft with rich butter, minced garlic, and cracked black pepper, this 3-ingredient dish proves that simple comfort food is truly the absolute best.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Slow cooking allows the cabbage to soften completely and absorb all the rich, savory garlic-butter goodness.
Only 3 Main Ingredients: Fresh green cabbage, rich butter, and garlic—it couldn’t be easier or more budget-friendly.
Effortless Slow-Cooker Magic: Hands-off preparation makes this the ultimate low-stress side dish for busy weeknights or holiday feasts!
Essential Kitchen Equipment
6-Quart Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot): Perfect for fitting thick cabbage steaks in a single layer.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing the cabbage into thick, clean rounds.
Ingredients
Core 3 Ingredients:
1 large head Fresh green cabbage, cut into 1-inch thick steaks
1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter, sliced into pats (or melted)
4 cloves Garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
Simple Seasonings:
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Cabbage: Remove the loose outer leaves of the cabbage head. Cut the head horizontally into 1-inch thick circular “steaks” (keep the core intact so the rounds hold together).
2. Layer in Slow Cooker: Arrange the cabbage steaks inside the bottom of your slow cooker (it’s okay if they overlap slightly).
3. Season & Top with Butter: Season the tops of the cabbage steaks generously with salt, cracked black pepper, and minced garlic. Top each cabbage slice with pats of fresh butter.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours) until the cabbage is ultra-tender, juicy, and beautifully caramelized around the edges.
5. Serve Warm: Carefully transfer the cabbage steaks onto a serving platter with a wide spatula, spooning the warm garlic butter sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker right over the top!
Chef’s Tips
Keep the Core Intact: Slicing through the core helps keep the circular cabbage rounds together while cooking in the slow cooker!
Crispy Edges Option: For extra caramelized, browned edges, place the cooked cabbage steaks on a baking sheet and broil under your oven’s broiler for 2 to 3 minutes right before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving / Yields 4 Servings)
Servings: 4 side portions
Calories: ~180 kcal
Protein: 3g
Net Carbs: 6g
Fat: 16g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cabbage steaks in the oven instead?
Yes! Place the seasoned cabbage steaks topped with butter on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until tender and golden brown!