Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Stewed Cabbage and Sausage dish is the definition of comfort food. The savory sausage pairs perfectly with the mild sweetness of cabbage, and the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together in the most delicious way. The dish is easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. It’s also versatile – you can adjust the type of sausage or add additional vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Plus, it’s a great meal for meal prep, as the flavors get even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb sausage (such as kielbasa, smoked sausage, or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir it in with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, paprika, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the stew: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Season to taste: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and more pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Different sausages: You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as spicy Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage, depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
- Add vegetables: For more depth of flavor and nutrition, add additional vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers. They will add a nice sweetness and texture to the stew.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to make the dish spicier.
- Make it smoky: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or use smoked sausage for a more intense smoky flavor.
- Add beans: You can add white beans or kidney beans for a heartier dish with extra protein and fiber.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a little more broth if it’s too thick. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked sausage?
Yes, you can use fresh sausage, but smoked sausage adds a deeper flavor to the dish. If using fresh sausage, you may want to add a bit more seasoning to balance the flavor.
Can I add potatoes to this dish?
Yes, adding diced potatoes is a great option! Simply add them when you add the cabbage, so they have time to cook and soften in the broth.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can make this dish in the slow cooker. Brown the sausage, onions, and garlic, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth, tomatoes, and cabbage. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How do I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add red pepper flakes, chopped fresh chili, or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the heat to your taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, you can use turkey sausage as a lighter alternative. It will still add great flavor, but the dish will be less fatty compared to using pork-based sausages.
How do I know when the cabbage is cooked?
The cabbage should be tender but still have a bit of bite. You can test its tenderness with a fork. If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook it a bit longer.
Can I use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian. Just substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables and beans for protein.
How can I thicken this stew?
If you want a thicker stew, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour mixed with water to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking, or mash some of the cabbage with a spoon to thicken it naturally.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
Conclusion
Stewed Cabbage and Sausage is a simple yet delicious dish that combines savory sausage, tender cabbage, and a flavorful broth into a satisfying, one-pot meal. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly filling, making it an excellent choice for both busy weeknights and weekend gatherings. Whether you keep it classic or add your own spin with additional vegetables and spices, this dish will surely become a go-to in your recipe collection!
PrintStewed Cabbage and Sausage
A hearty, comforting dish of stewed cabbage and sausage, combining tender cabbage with flavorful sausage in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly days and easy to prepare, this one-pot meal is both nutritious and filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb sausage (such as kielbasa, smoked sausage, or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Brown the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir it in with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, paprika, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the stew: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Season to taste: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and more pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as spicy Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage, depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
- For more depth of flavor, add additional vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- This dish can also be made in a slow cooker by browning the sausage, onions, and garlic, then adding everything to the slow cooker with the broth, tomatoes, and cabbage. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
