15 Delicious Cabbage Stew Recipes for Comfort Meals

Cabbage stew is the definition of hearty comfort food—simple, affordable, and packed with flavor. This humble vegetable transforms into a rich, satisfying dish when simmered slowly with herbs, spices, and wholesome ingredients.

From traditional European recipes to modern, globally inspired twists, cabbage stews are versatile, nutritious, and soul-warming. Perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or family dinners, these recipes prove cabbage is anything but boring.

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1. Classic Hearty Cabbage Stew

This traditional cabbage stew is hearty, wholesome, and deeply comforting. Made with green cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in a savory broth, it’s simple but full of flavor. A rustic dish perfect for family dinners, this stew proves that even the most humble ingredients can create a soul-warming meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot; sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, and thyme; cook 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cabbage and broth; bring to a boil.
4. Simmer 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Special Twist: A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors.

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2. Hungarian Cabbage and Paprika Stew

Inspired by Hungarian flavors, this stew combines tender cabbage with smoky paprika, tomatoes, and potatoes. The paprika gives it a deep red hue and bold taste, while sour cream adds creamy richness. It’s hearty and warming, perfect for chilly nights when you crave something flavorful yet comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Hungarian paprika
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add potatoes, tomatoes, paprika, and broth; simmer 15 minutes.
3. Stir in cabbage; cook another 20 minutes until tender.
4. Finish with sour cream before serving.

Special Twist: Hungarian paprika adds smokiness and depth.

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3. Cabbage and Sausage Stew

Savory sausage pairs beautifully with tender cabbage in this rustic stew. Onions, carrots, and potatoes add heartiness, while the sausage infuses the broth with rich flavor. It’s a filling one-pot meal that’s easy to make and perfect for cozy nights when you want something satisfying and meaty.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 4 sausages (smoked or fresh), sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot; cook sausage slices until browned, remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots in sausage fat until soft.
3. Add potatoes, broth, and thyme; simmer 10 minutes.
4. Stir in cabbage and sausage; cook 20 minutes until tender.

Special Twist: Smoked sausage gives the stew a rich, savory depth.

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4. Irish Cabbage and Beef Stew

This Irish-inspired stew features tender chunks of beef simmered with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots in a flavorful broth. Slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender, it’s a hearty dish perfect for Sunday dinners or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Served with crusty bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot; brown beef cubes on all sides, then set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add beef back with carrots, potatoes, rosemary, and broth. Simmer 45 minutes.
4. Stir in cabbage; cook 20 minutes more until tender.

Special Twist: A splash of Guinness beer adds richness and depth.

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5. Spicy Cabbage and Chickpea Stew

This plant-based stew is hearty, nutritious, and full of flavor. Chickpeas provide protein while cabbage, tomatoes, and spices create a warming, satisfying broth. Chili flakes and cumin give it a spicy kick, making it a bold, comforting dish perfect for vegans or anyone craving a healthy yet filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; sauté onion and garlic until golden.
2. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, cumin, chili flakes, and broth; simmer 10 minutes.
3. Stir in cabbage; cook 20 minutes until tender.
4. Season and serve hot.

Special Twist: Chickpeas add protein, making it a hearty vegan meal.

6. Polish Cabbage and Kielbasa Stew

This Polish-inspired stew pairs tender cabbage with smoky kielbasa sausage, potatoes, and carrots. Slow simmering allows the flavors to meld into a rich, savory dish with a hint of smokiness. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those who love rustic, Eastern European comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; cook kielbasa until browned, remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add potatoes, carrots, cabbage, broth, and paprika. Simmer 20 minutes.
4. Stir sausage back in; cook 10 more minutes.

Special Twist: Smoked kielbasa infuses the broth with bold flavor.

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7. Italian Cabbage and White Bean Stew

This Mediterranean-style stew combines tender cabbage with creamy cannellini beans, tomatoes, and Italian herbs. A drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of Parmesan cheese finishes the dish beautifully. It’s rustic, filling, and perfect with crusty bread—like a cozy Tuscan meal in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add tomatoes, beans, oregano, basil, and broth. Simmer 10 minutes.
3. Stir in cabbage; cook 20 minutes until tender.
4. Garnish with olive oil and Parmesan before serving.

Special Twist: Cannellini beans add creamy texture and protein.

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8. Cabbage and Lentil Stew

A vegetarian powerhouse, this stew blends cabbage with red lentils, carrots, and warm spices for a nutritious, high-protein meal. The lentils thicken the stew naturally, making it hearty without cream or meat. It’s simple, wholesome, and a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; sauté onion, garlic, and carrots.
2. Add lentils, cabbage, broth, and spices. Simmer 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
3. Stir and adjust seasoning before serving.

Special Twist: Red lentils create a naturally creamy, protein-rich stew.

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9. Cabbage and Tomato Stew

Tangy and hearty, this stew features cabbage simmered in a tomato-rich broth with garlic, onions, and herbs. It’s simple but flavorful, perfect for when you want something warming and budget-friendly. A pinch of chili flakes adds gentle heat, making it even more comforting on cold nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add tomatoes, oregano, chili flakes, broth, and cabbage.
3. Simmer 30 minutes until cabbage is tender.
4. Season to taste and serve.

Special Twist: Chili flakes give the tangy tomato base a warming kick.

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10. Asian-Inspired Cabbage and Tofu Stew

This light yet hearty stew blends cabbage with tofu, mushrooms, and ginger in a savory soy-ginger broth. It’s a nourishing, protein-packed option with Asian-inspired flavors. Balanced with sesame oil and green onions, it’s both healthy and comforting—a perfect meatless alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil; sauté onion, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add mushrooms, cabbage, tofu, soy sauce, and broth.
3. Simmer 20 minutes until cabbage is soft.
4. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Special Twist: Soy-ginger broth and tofu give it an Asian flair.

11. German Cabbage and Pork Stew

This hearty German-style stew combines tender cabbage with juicy pork shoulder, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a rich broth. A touch of caraway seeds adds authentic flavor and balances the sweetness of the cabbage. It’s rustic, filling, and perfect with a slice of rye bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; brown pork on all sides, remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add pork back with potatoes, carrots, caraway, and broth; simmer 45 minutes.
4. Stir in cabbage; cook 20 minutes more until tender.

Special Twist: Caraway seeds add a traditional German flavor.

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12. Moroccan Spiced Cabbage Stew

Fragrant and warming, this Moroccan-inspired stew blends cabbage with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a mix of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric. It’s earthy yet slightly sweet, with a touch of chili for heat. Perfect for a flavorful vegetarian comfort dish that feels both exotic and familiar.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add spices, chickpeas, tomatoes, cabbage, and broth.
3. Simmer 30 minutes until cabbage is tender.
4. Season and serve warm.

Special Twist: Cinnamon adds a subtle sweetness to balance savory flavors.

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13. Cabbage and Barley Stew

Nutty barley and sweet cabbage combine for a thick, hearty stew that’s wholesome and filling. Carrots, onions, and celery round out the flavor, while fresh parsley brightens it at the end. It’s a rustic, plant-based option perfect for cold evenings or meal prepping healthy lunches.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2. Add barley, cabbage, and broth; simmer 40 minutes until barley is tender.
3. Season and garnish with parsley.

Special Twist: Barley gives the stew a chewy, hearty texture.

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14. Spicy Kimchi Cabbage Stew

A Korean-inspired twist, this spicy stew uses kimchi for tang and heat, balanced with cabbage, tofu, and mushrooms in a savory broth. The flavors are bold, zesty, and comforting, making it a great option for those who love spice and fermented flavors. Serve with steamed rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups kimchi, chopped
• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil; sauté onion and mushrooms.
2. Add kimchi, gochujang, cabbage, tofu, and broth.
3. Simmer 20 minutes until cabbage softens.
4. Garnish with green onions.

Special Twist: Kimchi adds spice, tang, and probiotic benefits.

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15. Cabbage and Fish Stew

Light yet flavorful, this stew combines tender cabbage with flaky white fish, tomatoes, and herbs in a savory broth. The cabbage gives body, while the fish adds protein and delicate flavor. It’s a wholesome, comforting option that’s perfect for those who prefer lighter meals without sacrificing comfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 lb white fish fillets (cod or haddock), cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add tomatoes, cabbage, thyme, and broth; simmer 20 minutes.
3. Stir in fish; cook 8–10 minutes until flaky.
4. Season and serve hot.

Special Twist: Fresh fish makes this stew lighter yet still comforting.