If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and downright delicious, this Cabbage and Sausage Stew Recipe is a total winner. Packed with tender cabbage, flavorful Italian sausage, and rich broth, it’s the kind of stew that warms you from the inside out and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Comfort in a bowl: This stew feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, balancing meatiness and vegetables beautifully.
Simple, wholesome ingredients: With pantry staples like cabbage, sausage, and broth, it’s easy to whip up any day of the week.
Nutritious and satisfying: It’s packed with vitamins and protein, proving healthy can also be hearty.
Perfect for meal prep: It stores well and actually tastes better the next day, making lunches and dinners stress-free.
Ingredients & Substitutions
What’s fantastic about this Cabbage and Sausage Stew Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role. The smoky bacon lays the flavor foundation, the sausage brings spices and richness, and the cabbage adds texture plus earthy sweetness.
- Thick-cut bacon: Adds smokiness and depth; swapping for pancetta works beautifully.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that enhances every other flavor.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory sausage and broth.
- Garlic: Infuses pungent warmth—don’t skip it!
- Ground turkey Italian sausage: Lean yet flavorful; for a spicier twist, try spicy sausage.
- Paprika and dried oregano: Give the stew depth and a hint of herbal goodness.
- Chicken bone broth: Creates a rich, comforting liquid; vegetable broth can be used for a lighter option.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
- Large head of cabbage: The star veggie — thinly sliced for even cooking and softness.
How to Make Cabbage and Sausage Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Bacon and Veggies
Start by cooking the chopped thick-cut bacon in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until it begins to soften and release its luscious fat—about 2 minutes. Then add the finely chopped onion, peeled and chopped carrots, and minced garlic. Let these cook until tender but still with a slight bite, around 5 to 8 minutes. This step builds your flavor foundation and draws out natural sweetness.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Spice it Up
Push the softened veggies to one side of the pot and add the ground turkey Italian sausage, along with paprika, oregano, and sea salt. Allow the sausage to brown on one side for about 2 minutes to develop a beautiful crust, then flip and cook for another minute. This will lock in all the savory, spicy goodness that makes this stew unforgettable.
Step 3: Simmer in Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken bone broth and drained diced tomatoes, then cover the pot and bring everything to a full boil. This liquid magic will soak up the sausage and veggie flavors perfectly, creating a rich, hearty base for your stew.
Step 4: Add Cabbage and Cook Low and Slow
Stir in the thinly sliced cabbage, cover the pot again, and let the stew simmer gently for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will soften and meld with all those layers of flavor, turning the stew into a luscious, filling meal.
Step 5: Final Taste and Adjustments
Give your stew a taste and add extra sea salt if needed to bring out the flavors just right. This last little tweak ensures each spoonful is perfectly balanced and totally satisfying.
How to Serve Cabbage and Sausage Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a handful of chopped green onions over the top for a pop of freshness and color. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt also adds a creamy, tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the stew’s smoky richness.
Side Dishes
This stew shines all on its own but pairs well with warm crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up all that savory broth. For something lighter, a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette complements the hearty stew perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls lined with a slice of toasted bread on the side, or ladle it over creamy mashed potatoes for a soul-warming twist. You can also offer little ramekins of garnishes like shredded cheese or hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, transfer the leftover cabbage and sausage stew into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream! Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a fantastic option to have homemade comfort food ready whenever you want.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, use the microwave for a quick fix—just cover loosely and heat in increments, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of sausage in this stew?
Absolutely! While ground turkey Italian sausage is recommended for a leaner option, you can substitute with pork sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage to suit your taste and dietary needs.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients in this Cabbage and Sausage Stew Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for those avoiding gluten.
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How do I prep the cabbage for the stew?
Remove the outer leaves and core of the cabbage, then thinly slice the rest. This ensures the cabbage cooks down evenly and melts beautifully into the stew.
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Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the bacon, veggies, and sausage on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the broth, tomatoes, and cabbage. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until cabbage is tender and flavors are melded.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cabbage and Sausage Stew Recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and so satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a whirl on your next cooking day—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cabbage and Sausage Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Cabbage and Sausage Stew combines tender cabbage with flavorful ground turkey Italian sausage, smoky bacon, and a rich tomato and chicken bone broth base. Infused with paprika and oregano, this comforting one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and packs vibrant flavors with nutritious vegetables.
Ingredients
Meat and Bacon
- 3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground turkey Italian sausage (Whole30 compliant)
Vegetables
- ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large head cabbage, thinly sliced (outer leaves and core removed)
Seasonings and Broth
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt, plus extra to taste
- 32 oz chicken bone broth
- 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes, drained
Instructions
- Cook Bacon and Vegetables: Place the chopped bacon in a large stockpot and heat over medium-high heat. Cook until the bacon begins to soften and release its fat, about 2 minutes. Add the finely chopped onion, chopped carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften but remain slightly firm (al dente), about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Brown the Sausage: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the stockpot. Add the ground turkey Italian sausage along with the paprika, dried oregano, and 1 tsp sea salt. Allow the meat to cook undisturbed and brown on one side for 2 minutes, then use a spatula to flip and cook for an additional minute until browned all over.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken bone broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, then cover the pot and bring the stew to a full boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer with Cabbage: Once boiling, add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pot and replace the cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook the stew for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has softened and reduced in volume.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the stew and add additional sea salt as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful cabbage and sausage stew.
Notes
- Chop carrots and sausage uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Remove outer leaves and core from the cabbage before slicing for best texture.
- To store leftover stew, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
