Kielbasa & Cabbage Soup

Alright, folks, gather ’round! This little concoction is my beloved Kielbasa & Cabbage Soup. It’s the kind of recipe that warms your toes and your heart. Why is it special? Because it mashes comfort food vibes with a hint of Eastern European goodness. Plus, it’s stupid easy to make, which is what we all need after a long day, right? Trust me, this one’s got that homemade charm we crave when takeout just won’t do.
—
MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…
So, let me tell you a little story about this dish. We’re talking snowpeople in the yard kind of days when my family first fell in love with this soup. My husband, bless his messy eatin’ heart, claims it was the soup that won him over. Picture this: a steaming pot in the middle of the table, and we’re all diving in with chunks of crusty bread. Even the kids, notoriously picky eaters, slurp it up without a fuss. This recipe has officially earned a spot in our “regulars” because it’s just that good.
Why You’ll Love This Kielbasa & Cabbage Soup
– It’s a one-pot wonder — minimal mess means more time to binge-watch your favorite shows.
– Tastes like a hug in soup form — who doesn’t need that?
– Leftovers taste even better — super convenient for lunch when you’re running late.
– You can get creative with it — throw in whatever’s lurking in your veggie drawer.
How to Make It
Alright, imagine we’re hanging out in my chaotic kitchen. To kick things off, just heat some oil in a big pot — you know, the one you’re always losing the lid for. Toss in your kielbasa slices, and try not to eat too many straight from the pot. We need most of them for the soup! Next, you add some chopped onions, stirring and chatting until they’re soft and making your eyes water. Then, throw in garlic, ’cause life is better with it.
Time for the cabbage. Chop it like you mean it and drop it in — don’t worry if it looks like too much. It’ll cook down, I promise. Pour in chicken broth (or vegetable if that’s your jam), let it all mingle and make friends for a while. Season as you go. Taste, adjust, taste again, adjust more. Maybe sneak a carrot in there if you’re feeling wild. Cover it, let it simmer, and boom, soup’s done.
Ingredient Notes
– Kielbasa: It’s the star! Smoky, savory, and kinda sassy. Avoid letting it burn unless crispy bits are your thing.
– Cabbage: Don’t skip it! Though, I did once in desperation and regretted it. It just ain’t the same without it.
– Broth: Use what ya got. I’ve mixed broths before when running low, and it still turned out decent.
Recipe Steps
1. Heat oil in a large pot and brown kielbasa slices.
2. Add chopped onions, cook until they’re soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic, cook briefly.
4. Add chopped cabbage and pour in chicken broth.
5. Season and let it simmer until everything’s tender.
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
– Don’t rush it. Let it sit and soak up those flavors.
– Serve with good bread if you can. Or bad bread if you’re in a pinch — it’s all good.
Storage Tips
Any leftovers? Pop that goodness in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll hang out happily for a few days. It’s actually pretty darn tasty cold, but if your Monday morning needs comfort, heat it up and call it breakfast. No judgment here, friend.
Variations and Substitutions
– Swap the broth with vegetable if you’ve got a vegetarian in the house.
– Throw in potatoes if you’re feeling carb-y. Once I forgot them on the stove — a happy accident!
– Out of garlic? Shame, but some garlic powder will do in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions

Kielbasa & Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage
- 1 head green cabbage medium, chopped
- 1 cup carrots sliced
- 1 cup onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Slice kielbasa sausage into 1/4-inch pieces and add to the pot. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add sliced carrots and chopped cabbage. Stir to combine with sausage mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season soup with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Stir well before serving.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Super easy and will make again! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Made this last night and it was family favorite. Loved how the creamy came together.”
“Super easy and turned out amazing! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“This quick dinner recipe was family favorite — the juicy really stands out. Thanks!”
“New favorite here — family favorite. crunchy was spot on.”
“New favorite here — absolutely loved. weeknight winner was spot on.”