If you’ve been searching for a cozy, one-pot wonder that warms you from the inside out, Sausage and Cabbage Stew is absolutely calling your name. This dish balances smoky savory sausage, tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and hearty potatoes in a soul-satisfying tomato broth. Not only is it deeply flavorful and reminiscent of old-world comfort, but it also pulls together easily with simple ingredients. Every spoonful is a celebration of rustic goodness — and trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this stew is that it uses humble, everyday ingredients that transform into something truly greater than the sum of their parts. Each component plays a key role in delivering a chorus of taste, texture, and color that makes Sausage and Cabbage Stew so special.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps brown the sausage beautifully for extra flavor depth.
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa: Choose your favorite — smoked varieties bring a lovely, robust flavor that infuses the entire stew.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory base that rounds out the flavors as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Delivers a warm, aromatic kick that wakes up the whole pot.
- Green cabbage: Chopped cabbage turns silky-tender and soaks up all that rich broth beautifully.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots add subtle sweetness and bright color to each bite.
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes make the stew heartier and give it that classic, stick-to-your-ribs feel.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): The slight tang and acidity from tomatoes freshen up the stew and perfectly balance the smokiness of the sausage.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Acts as a flavorful base—choose low-sodium so you have full control over your seasoning.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and a hint of beautiful color to the broth.
- Dried thyme: Just a touch gives the stew a savory, herbaceous background.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—season to your taste.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and a bright pop of green.
How to Make Sausage and Cabbage Stew
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start your Sausage and Cabbage Stew by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage slices in a single layer so they get that golden, caramelized edge—this is where the magic begins. Once browned, transfer them to a plate, keeping all those flavorful bits in the pot for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
With the sausage set aside, toss in your chopped onion and let it cook until it turns translucent and sweet-smelling—about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. These aromatics are the secret to a stellar stew base.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Now, pile in the chopped cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Give everything a big stir! The cabbage might seem plentiful at first, but it wilts down beautifully once it simmers. Combining the veg with the onion and garlic creates the most inviting foundation for your stew.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by all the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the paprika, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together, then raise the heat to bring it all up to a lively boil. This is the moment when the flavors start coming together in the pot.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let your Sausage and Cabbage Stew gently simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until all the vegetables are meltingly tender and the house smells unbelievable. This hands-off time lets every ingredient add its mark to the stew.
Step 6: Return the Sausage
With your veggies perfectly cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot. Let everything simmer, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes so the sausage can heat through and lend all its smoky flavor right back into the hearty broth.
Step 7: Taste and Garnish
Give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. Get ready for inevitable second helpings—this stew is irresistible!
How to Serve Sausage and Cabbage Stew
Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley adds color and brightness to each bowl of Sausage and Cabbage Stew. If you love extra zest, a dash of cracked black pepper or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika just before serving can take the flavor up a notch.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs beautifully with classic crusty bread—perfect for mopping up the delicious broth. If you’re feeling extra hungry, serve it over steaming white rice or creamy mashed potatoes for an even heartier meal. For a lighter touch, a simple mixed greens salad makes a great side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch, ladle the stew into shallow bowls or wide mugs and serve with a chunk of bread on the side. You can also garnish with a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated parmesan for an unexpected twist. Hosting guests? Try serving Sausage and Cabbage Stew in mini bread bowls for a bit of fun flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sausage and Cabbage Stew stores exceptionally well, making it a dream for meal prep. Let leftovers cool, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days and even tastes better as the flavors develop.
Freezing
If you want to stretch your efforts further, this stew freezes beautifully. Cool it fully, ladle into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to three months. Just be sure to leave a little room for expansion as the stew freezes—nothing fancy, but very effective!
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the stew into a pot and warm gently over medium heat, stirring now and then. If it’s thicker than you like, splash in a bit of extra broth or water to loosen things up. For single servings, the microwave works well, too—just heat until piping hot and add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before eating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While smoked sausage or kielbasa brings a wonderful savory note, you can swap in chorizo for spice or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Each variety brings its own flair, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, as written, Sausage and Cabbage Stew is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your sausage and broth ingredients to ensure they don’t include any hidden gluten if that’s a concern in your household.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You sure can! Replace the sausage with your favorite plant-based variety or add hearty beans for extra texture. Swap in vegetable broth and you’ll still have a deeply satisfying stew bursting with flavor.
What potatoes work best in this stew?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well after simmering and lend a creamy texture. If you prefer a softer, almost melting potato, russets are a great choice—just be aware the stew may thicken slightly.
How can I add more protein or veggies?
Feel free to toss in a can of drained beans or extra vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or even kale. Sausage and Cabbage Stew is highly adaptable, and every addition only makes it more comforting and wholesome.
Final Thoughts
Give this Sausage and Cabbage Stew a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen—it’s the kind of recipe you come back to for its easy prep and unmatched comfort. I can’t wait for you to experience just how much flavor and heart a big pot of this stew can bring to your table!
Print
Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Sausage and Cabbage Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines smoked sausage with vegetables in a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to feed a crowd.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the sausage. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, cook onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Pour in tomatoes and broth.
- Season and Simmer: Add paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 25–30 minutes.
- Final Touches: Return sausage to pot, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- This stew tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Experiment by using red cabbage or adding beans for extra protein.
- Pair with crusty bread or rice for a more substantial meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
