This hearty Cabbage and Sausage Stew is a cozy, protein-packed meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Loaded with fiber-rich cabbage, savory turkey sausage, and nutrient-dense vegetables, it’s low in carbs and full of flavor.
Easy to make in a single pot, it’s satisfying, wholesome, and ideal for anyone looking for a comforting yet healthy dish.
Cabbage and Sausage Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large stockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 wooden spoon (or spatula)
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 3 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- ½ yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground turkey Italian sausage or whole30 compliant
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 32 oz chicken bone broth
- 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 large head cabbage thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preparing the Base: Cooking the Bacon: Start by heating a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Once the pot is warm, add the chopped thick-cut bacon. Allow it to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the fat begins to render and the bacon softens, releasing its smoky aroma. This should take about 2–3 minutes. The bacon fat will form a flavorful base that will infuse the vegetables and sausage with rich, savory notes.
- Building Flavor: Sautéing the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped yellow onion, peeled and chopped carrots, and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon. Stir the vegetables so they are coated in the rendered bacon fat. Cook for 5–8 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the carrots start to soften, but make sure the vegetables still retain a bit of firmness (al dente). This step is key for layering flavor and ensuring the vegetables maintain some texture in the final stew.
- Browning the Sausage: Adding Protein and Spices: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pot, creating space for the sausage. Add the ground turkey Italian sausage to the empty side of the pot. Sprinkle in the paprika, dried oregano, and sea salt. Allow the sausage to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes so it can brown on one side, then flip and cook for another minute. Browning the sausage this way develops deep, savory flavors that make the stew irresistible.
- Adding the Liquid: Combining Broth and Tomatoes: Once the sausage is nicely browned, pour in the chicken bone broth and drained diced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the vegetables, sausage, and seasonings are evenly distributed. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat. This step allows the flavors to start melding and sets the stage for the cabbage.
- Incorporating the Star Ingredient: Cooking the Cabbage: Carefully add the thinly sliced cabbage to the boiling pot. Gently press it down with a spoon so it fits comfortably. Replace the lid and reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the stew to simmer for about 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the cabbage cook evenly. The cabbage will gradually soften and shrink, releasing its natural sweetness into the broth and thickening the stew slightly.
- Tasting and Adjusting: Seasoning to Perfection: After the cabbage has fully softened, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more sea salt if needed. At this stage, you can also add a pinch of black pepper or additional herbs for extra flavor. Make sure the balance of salt, spice, and savoriness is just right—this is what makes the stew comforting and well-rounded.
- Serving and Storing: Enjoying Your Stew: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and serve immediately while warm. For storage, allow the stew to cool slightly, then transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the texture of the cabbage and sausage. This makes it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.
Notes
- Chop vegetables and sausage uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Use Whole30-compliant bacon and sausage if following the Whole30 diet.
- Remove outer leaves and the core from the cabbage for best texture.
- Simmer gently to avoid overcooking the cabbage; it should remain tender, not mushy.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to taste; flavors deepen during cooking.
- This stew thickens naturally as cabbage cooks, so stirring occasionally helps even texture.
- Ideal for meal prep: flavors often improve after a day in the fridge.
Chef’s Secrets For Maximum Flavor
To elevate the flavor of this cabbage and sausage stew, layering is key.
Start by allowing the bacon to render slowly, which creates a rich base for the vegetables and meat.
Don’t rush browning the sausage—it develops caramelized notes that enhance the overall depth of the stew.
When adding cabbage, slice it thinly to allow even cooking and natural sweetness to infuse the broth.
Lastly, letting the stew simmer gently rather than at a rolling boil ensures the flavors meld fully without breaking down the ingredients.
A final taste check before serving guarantees perfect seasoning every time.
Serving Suggestions For Perfect Meals
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments.
Serve it with a slice of rustic whole-grain bread or a side of roasted sweet potatoes to soak up the flavorful broth.
For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the stew.
Garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives adds color and a subtle burst of freshness.
It also works beautifully for family dinners, cozy weeknight meals, or as a satisfying lunch that reheats well for meal prep.
Storage Tips To Keep Stew Fresh
To maximize freshness, allow the stew to cool to room temperature before storing in airtight containers.
In the refrigerator, it will last up to 4 days, making it an ideal option for meal prep.
For longer storage, this stew freezes beautifully: portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the integrity of the cabbage and sausage.
Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground turkey Italian sausage with chicken sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer a vegetarian option. Adjust seasoning as needed, since different sausages vary in saltiness and spice.
2. Can I make this stew spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage, or drizzle some hot sauce over individual servings. Smoked paprika also adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
3. Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it is naturally low in carbohydrates because it’s primarily composed of cabbage and other vegetables. It’s a great option for low-carb, keto, or Whole30 diets when using compliant sausage and bacon.
4. How do I prevent the cabbage from turning mushy?
Slice the cabbage thinly and avoid overcooking. Simmer the stew gently rather than at a rolling boil, and stir occasionally to maintain texture. The cabbage should be tender but still hold its shape.
5. Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Use a larger stockpot to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that cooking times may increase slightly with a larger volume, especially for the cabbage to fully soften.
