Ever have one of those nights where you’re staring into the fridge, hoping dinner will magically assemble itself? You want something hearty, something that feels like a hug in a bowl, but you also want to be done with the dishes before the nightly news comes on. Well, honey, let me tell you about my go-to lifesaver: this One-Pot Smoked Sausage & Cabbage Stew. It’s the answer to that frantic 5 PM question of what’s for dinner. It’s flavorful, it’s forgiving, and it all comes together in a single pot. Talk about a win.
Top Reasons To Make It
This stew is a weeknight hero for so many reasons. First, it’s a true one-pot wonder. From browning the sausage to simmering the stew, everything happens in that same trusty pot. That means less time scrubbing and more time relaxing. Second, it’s packed with flavor that belies how incredibly simple it is to make. The smoked sausage does most of the heavy lifting, and the cabbage becomes so, so tender and sweet. And third, it’s a fantastic way to get a healthy, veggie-packed dinner on the table without any fuss. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and smart.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
- 1 lb smoked turkey sausage, sliced into rounds: Provides that signature smoky, savory heartiness.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential punch of flavor.
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped: Becomes tender and slightly sweet, the star of the stew.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base of our stew.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a touch of acidity and richness.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky notes from the sausage.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Lends a subtle, earthy warmth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: For seasoning everything to perfection.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until nicely browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. It will look like a lot, but don’t worry—it wilts down significantly! Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, just to let the cabbage start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and the browned sausage back into the pot. Give it a good stir to combine.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking before serving.
One-Pot Cooking Tips
- Don’t skip browning the sausage! Those little browned bits left in the pot are pure flavor gold.
- When you add the cabbage, just keep stirring. It might seem like a mountain, but it wilts down to a perfectly manageable amount.
- Use a pot that’s nice and wide rather than super tall. This gives the cabbage plenty of room to cook evenly.
- Honestly, if you’re short on time, you can chop your veggies a little rougher. This stew is very forgiving.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving. It allows the flavors to settle in just right.
- Taste, taste, taste! Always give it a taste at the end and adjust your seasonings. You might want an extra pinch of pepper.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is a wonderful base to make your own. For a creamy twist, stir in a 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the very end. If you’re looking for more healthy dinner ideas, add a can of drained and rinsed white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber. Don’t have chicken broth? Vegetable broth works perfectly fine. And if you’d like to add more veggies, diced carrots or potatoes would be a fantastic addition—just add them with the onions so they have time to soften.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This stew is a complete meal all on its own, but I love serving it with a thick, crusty slice of buttered bread for dipping. A simple green salad on the side is also a great way to add a fresh, crisp contrast. For a heartier meal, this stew pairs wonderfully with a side of cooked egg noodles or rice, making it a fantastic option for easy weeknight dinners that will satisfy the whole family.
Storage & Reheating
Let the stew cool completely before storing. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better the next day! To reheat, simply warm it gently in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stopping to stir halfway through. I don’t recommend freezing this stew, as the cabbage can become a bit watery and lose its texture upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! Kielbasa or any other fully cooked smoked sausage will work. For a lighter option, chicken apple sausage is also delicious.
- Is this stew spicy? Not at all with the ingredients listed. The smoked paprika adds depth, not heat. If you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic will do the trick.
- What other quick dinner ideas can I make with cabbage? Cabbage is so versatile! Try it sautéed with onions and apples as a side, or shredded thin for a crunchy slaw to top tacos or pulled pork sandwiches.
- How can I make this a pasta dinner? Stir in 2 cups of cooked pasta, like rotini or bowties, during the last few minutes of reheating. Just note that the pasta may soak up some of the broth.