This Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with tender potatoes, savory sausage, and sweet cabbage in a rich, comforting broth. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or whenever you need a satisfying bowl of warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling – Loaded with sausage, potatoes, and cabbage for a complete meal.
- Easy one-pot meal – Simple ingredients, minimal cleanup.
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients to feed a crowd.
- Flavorful and comforting – A rich, savory broth with smoky sausage and tender veggies.
- Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille, sliced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 3 medium potatoes (Yukon gold or russet, diced)
- ½ head cabbage (chopped)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a slight tang, optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
1. Brown the sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Remove sausage and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Simmer the soup:
- Add potatoes, cabbage, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. Add the sausage and finish:
- Stir the cooked sausage back into the pot.
- Add apple cider vinegar for a slight tang (optional).
- Simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Serve:
- Remove bay leaf.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Use andouille sausage and add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end for a creamy texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for white beans and use vegetable broth.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use turnips or cauliflower instead of potatoes.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, celery, or green beans.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked sausage?
Yes, just brown it well before adding it to the soup.
What’s the best type of potatoes to use?
Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best for their creamy texture.
How do I make this soup thicker?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes before serving to thicken the broth.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, adding the sausage in the last hour.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your sausage and broth are gluten-free.
What goes well with this soup?
Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh salad.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but it will slightly change the color of the broth.
How do I add more flavor to the broth?
Use homemade broth, add extra garlic, or throw in a Parmesan rind while simmering.
Can I add rice or pasta?
Yes, add cooked rice or small pasta like ditalini in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
How do I make this soup lower in sodium?
Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste.
Conclusion
This Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Packed with smoky sausage, hearty potatoes, and tender cabbage, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish the whole family will love. Serve with warm bread and enjoy a bowl of cozy goodness!
Print
Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, German-Inspired
Description
This Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup is a rich and satisfying dish made with smoky sausage, tender cabbage, and hearty potatoes. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make in one pot, and perfect for a cozy, budget-friendly meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 12 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red potatoes)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage & Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
- Add cabbage, potatoes, diced tomatoes (if using), smoked paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Finish & Serve
- Stir the browned sausage back into the pot and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving for a richer texture.
- Use different sausages: Try Italian sausage, bratwurst, or turkey sausage for variation.
- Low-carb version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.