Vegan Crockpot Cabbage Stew

Hey there! If you’re looking for a hearty, cozy, and super easy meal to warm you up, this Vegan Crockpot Cabbage Stew is about to be your new best friend. It’s packed with tender cabbage, chunky veggies, and flavorful spices—all simmered together in the crockpot while you go about your day. This is one of those meals that tastes even better the next day (hello, leftovers!) and is perfect for the whole family. Plus, it’s healthy, budget-friendly, and you can throw it all together in minutes. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

• Vegetables
  • 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red work great!)
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Broth & Seasoning
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Extras
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (for brightness)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Pro Tips

1. Chop evenly: Cut all your veggies into similar sizes so they cook evenly in the crockpot.
2. Don’t skip the lemon: A little squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and takes this stew from good to great!
3. Boost protein: Add a can of chickpeas or white beans if you want more protein.
4. Make it your own: Toss in your favorite veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms.
5. Set it and forget it: Prep in the morning, and let your crockpot do all the work while you tackle your busy day!

Tools You’ll Need

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large spoon or ladle

Substitutions and Variations

• Veggies: Swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes or add extra greens like kale or spinach at the end.
• Spices: Don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works fine, or add a dash of chili powder for heat.
• Broth: Use water with a veggie bouillon cube if you don’t have broth on hand.
• Oil-free: Skip the olive oil entirely for an oil-free version.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Chop all your veggies the night before and store them in the fridge.
• Measure out your spices and broth in advance to save time in the morning.
• The stew tastes even better the next day, so make it ahead and reheat when ready to eat.

How to Make Vegan Crockpot Cabbage Stew

1. Prep your veggies

Chop the cabbage, slice the carrots and celery, dice the potatoes and onion, and mince the garlic.

2. Layer everything in the crockpot

Add the cabbage, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic to the crockpot in even layers.

3. Add the liquids and spices

Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently.

4. Cook low and slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Finish and serve

Right before serving, stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Leftovers and Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.

Conclusion

There you have it—comfort in a bowl, made effortlessly in your crockpot! This Vegan Cabbage Stew is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a warm hug in food form. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you—let me know in the comments below if you made any fun tweaks or have any questions. Happy cooking! 😊