Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew

Introduction

Few dishes can warm the soul quite like a hearty stew, and this Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is a perfect example of comfort food at its finest. Combining juicy sausages, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and flavorful cabbage, all simmered together in a savory broth, this stew is both satisfying and nourishing. It’s a simple, rustic meal that brings families together around the dinner table, especially during cooler months or festive gatherings like St. Patrick’s Day. This recipe is easy enough for beginners, yet rich enough in flavor to impress seasoned home cooks.

My recipe story

This recipe has its roots in traditional Irish cooking, where humble ingredients were transformed into hearty meals to feed large families. Growing up, I always loved the smell of sausage sizzling in the pan, and cabbage was a staple at my grandmother’s table. She often made a variation of this stew whenever we had family visiting, and it quickly became one of my favorites. Today, I’ve adapted her recipe to make it more accessible for modern kitchens while keeping that old-world charm intact. Every spoonful feels like a trip down memory lane, with its comforting warmth and robust flavors.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a balanced and flavorful dish. The sausages are the star of the show, bringing a savory, juicy bite that infuses the broth with richness. Traditional Irish pork sausages are ideal, but bratwursts or even chicken sausages can work well as substitutes.

Cabbage adds a mild sweetness and texture, while potatoes and carrots provide the heartiness that makes this stew so filling. Onions add depth to the flavor base, especially when sautéed until lightly caramelized. Olive oil, broth, and basic seasonings tie everything together, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through without overpowering the dish.

Altogether, this recipe is a great balance of protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it a wholesome meal for any occasion. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, depending on the sausages you choose.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Brown the sausages
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until they’re browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. This step develops a rich flavor base and ensures the sausages keep their texture during simmering. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the onions
In the same pot, add sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat until they turn soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes. The onions will absorb some of the sausage flavor left in the pan, creating a deeper base for the stew.

Step 3: Add the vegetables
Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to slightly soften and absorb the onion flavors. This layering technique enhances the stew’s depth of flavor.

Step 4: Return sausages & add liquid
Place the sausages back into the pot, then pour in the broth (chicken or vegetable works best). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. This ensures all the ingredients meld together while the sausages cook through fully.

Step 5: Simmer to perfection
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley.

Step 6: Serve & enjoy
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a pint of Irish beer for an authentic experience.

Variations & substitutions

There are countless ways to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Swap pork sausages for chicken or turkey for a lighter version. For a vegetarian twist, omit the sausages entirely and replace them with plant-based alternatives or hearty beans like cannellini. You can also experiment with spices—paprika, mustard seeds, or even a splash of Guinness beer can add an extra dimension of flavor. Adding parsnips, leeks, or celery to the vegetable mix is another way to customize this dish while staying true to its rustic roots.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This stew stores beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Once cooled, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. To freeze, let the stew cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that potatoes may slightly change texture after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.

Serving ideas & pairings

This stew is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it shines even brighter with the right accompaniments. Serve it with warm, crusty Irish soda bread or buttered rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. A side of mashed potatoes can make it even more indulgent, while a crisp green salad adds freshness to balance the richness. For drinks, pair it with a pint of stout, a glass of cider, or even a simple sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate. It’s also a wonderful dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings, as it feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.

FAQ

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausages and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

What type of sausages work best?
Irish pork sausages are traditional, but bratwurst, kielbasa, or even chicken sausages work well.

Can I add beer to the broth?
Absolutely. A splash of Guinness or stout adds richness and a slightly malty flavor that complements the sausages.

How do I thicken the broth?
Smash a few of the cooked potatoes directly into the broth, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water for a thicker consistency.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The stew itself is naturally gluten-free, but always check your sausage and broth labels to be sure.

Final thoughts

Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is a timeless recipe that embodies the best of comfort cooking. It’s simple, nourishing, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, preparing for a holiday celebration, or just craving something hearty, this stew delivers on all fronts. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it has remained a beloved classic for generations. One pot, wholesome ingredients, and plenty of love—that’s the secret to this heartwarming dish.

Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A hearty one-pot stew with juicy sausages, tender cabbage, potatoes, and carrots simmered in rich broth. Perfect comfort food for any season.

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Ingredients

• 6 pork sausages (Irish or bratwurst)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced

• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown sausages on all sides, then remove and set aside.

2. Add onions to the pot and sauté until golden and fragrant.

3. Stir in carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, cooking for 5 minutes to soften slightly.
4. Return sausages to the pot and pour in broth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

6. Adjust seasoning if needed, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day. For extra flavor, add a splash of Guinness or cider to the broth. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Irish