If you’re craving a cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe will hit all the right notes. Born from humble ingredients but brimming with hearty flavors, this stew pairs smoky sausage with sweet cabbage, rustic potatoes, and vibrant carrots, all simmered in a rich tomato-infused broth. It’s a guaranteed family favorite for chilly nights or anytime you want a deeply satisfying one-pot dinner. Trust me—the aromas alone will have everyone gathering in your kitchen!

Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe lies in its lineup of simple, real ingredients. Each component plays a special role, balancing color, flavor, and texture while coming together in a dish that feels both rustic and soulful.

Olive oil: Adds a foundation of rich, healthy fat to sauté the sausage and vegetables, lending subtle flavor and helping everything cook evenly.
Smoked sausage: The star of the show—brings a smoky, savory depth that infuses every spoonful with bold flavor. Try kielbasa or your favorite smoked variety.
Onion: Gives the stew a sweet, aromatic backbone; don’t skip this step if you want a balanced base!
Garlic: Just two cloves make the broth pop with a comforting, savory aroma that pairs wonderfully with sausage and cabbage.
Green cabbage: The heart of the stew—turns delightfully tender as it cooks, soaking up all the delicious broth and adding a natural sweetness.
Carrots: Bring sweetness and vibrant color, making each bite more inviting and kid-friendly.
Potatoes: Rustic and filling, they absorb the flavors of the stew while adding both creaminess and heartiness.
Diced tomatoes (with juice): Infuse the stew with tangy brightness and plenty of body in the broth.
Chicken broth: The liquid gold that ties everything together, providing depth and a savory base for the vegetables and sausage.
Paprika: Adds smokiness and a gentle warmth—choose smoked paprika for a little extra pizazz!
Dried thyme: A little bit goes a long way, bringing earthiness and a subtle complexity to the background.
Bay leaf: Just one, but it works wonders to round out the flavors. Be sure to fish it out before serving.
Salt and pepper: Key seasonings—taste as you go so every flavor shines.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and herbal freshness when you’re ready to serve.

How to Make Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your sliced smoked sausage. Let it sizzle and brown for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is essential because those savory browned bits at the bottom add a ton of flavor. Once beautifully golden, remove the sausage pieces and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot (don’t wipe it clean—you want all that goodness!), add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften and the kitchen smells irresistible. The leftover sausage drippings give these aromatics an extra boost of flavor that is simply unbeatable.

Step 3: Add Cabbage and Carrots

Now, toss in the shredded green cabbage and sliced carrots. Stir them into the onion and garlic, letting them cook for about 5 minutes. The cabbage should begin to wilt and the carrots take on a brighter hue. You’ll notice the vegetables start to soak up all those savory flavors from the pot.

Step 4: Build the Stew

Add your diced potatoes, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, then return the browned sausage to the pot. Give it all one satisfying mix—you’ll see this stew begin to look hearty and full-bodied already.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Raise the heat and bring your Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe to a boil. Once you see bubbles, lower the heat to a simmer and leave it uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. Stir occasionally as the potatoes cook through and the flavors meld beautifully. The aroma during this final stretch is pure comfort!

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Once the vegetables are tender and the broth is deeply flavored, fish out the bay leaf. Taste and adjust your seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and shower with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A bright sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, bringing color and a burst of herbal freshness to each bowl. If you’d like, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a curl of shaved Parmesan for extra flair. For a tangy twist, a small drizzle of apple cider vinegar or a dollop of sour cream can be delightful—these little touches really set the Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe apart.

Side Dishes

This stew is deeply satisfying all on its own, but it also plays well with some hearty extras. Serve it with a thick slice of crusty bread to soak up the broth, or alongside buttered rye toast for that old-world comfort. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette makes a lovely contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls—the edges soak up the savory broth as you eat. Individual crocks or mugs are perfect for parties or casual gatherings. For family dinners, set out a platter of garnishes and let everyone customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe cools to room temperature, transfer the leftovers to airtight containers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors only improve as everything melds together overnight.

Freezing

This stew is an excellent candidate for freezing! Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Label each with the date, and they’ll last for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the stew into a pot and warm over medium heat until bubbling and hot. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up. Alternatively, use the microwave in shorter increments, stirring between each burst, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Soup

Absolutely! Smoked sausage brings a lot of depth, but feel free to substitute with kielbasa, chorizo, or andouille if you’d like to add a different twist to your Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding.

Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the sausage for a plant-based option and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Add more beans or mushrooms for that hearty, umami-packed flavor and texture—the Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe adapts beautifully.

What’s the best way to cut the cabbage for this stew?

Shred the green cabbage into bite-sized ribbons for an even texture that cooks down tender but still holds a little bite. If you prefer a chunkier feel, simply chop it into larger pieces. Both styles work wonderfully in the Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe.

How can I make this stew spicier?

For a kick, use a spicy smoked sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot. You can also toss in a thinly sliced hot pepper alongside the onions and garlic—this gives the Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe a zesty edge without overwhelming the cozy flavors.

Does this stew taste better the next day?

Yes, it truly does! The flavors meld and intensify as it sits overnight, making a bowl of leftovers even richer and more robust. Some say day-after Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe is the best kind of comfort food.

Final Thoughts

If you love dishes that are hearty, nourishing, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe deserves a spot on your table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough for company—give it a try and watch it become a new cozy favorite in your home!

Sausage and Cabbage Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with this hearty and comforting Sausage and Cabbage Stew recipe. Packed with smoked sausage, vegetables, and savory seasonings, this one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

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Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups green cabbage (shredded)
3 medium carrots (sliced)
2 medium potatoes (diced)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the cabbage and carrots, cook for 5 minutes until cabbage wilts.
Add potatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Return sausage to the pot, stir well.
Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors blend. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley before serving.