Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew 🇮🇪🥕🥬
A Hearty, Traditional-Inspired Dish Full of Comfort and Flavor
There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of stew — the kind that simmers slowly and fills your home with savory aromas. This Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients and rustic charm. Rooted in Irish farmhouse cooking, it’s a recipe designed to warm the belly and nourish the soul.
With juicy sausages, sweet carrots, soft onions, and tender cabbage all simmered in a flavorful broth, this stew is deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a festive Irish meal, this dish offers classic comfort in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Stew
🇮🇪 Traditional Irish vibes – Earthy vegetables, hearty sausage, and simple seasonings.
🥣 One-pot meal – Easy cleanup and full flavor development.
🧅 Budget-friendly ingredients – No fancy prep, just real, rustic food.
🕰️ Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day.
🥖 Perfect for bread-dipping – Serve with soda bread, crusty baguettes, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
1 lb Irish sausages (or any high-quality pork sausage)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced 🥕
2–3 medium potatoes, diced 🥔
½ head of green cabbage, chopped or shredded 🥬
4 cups chicken or beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausages
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausages and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. You don’t need to cook them through — just get a nice sear. Remove sausages and set aside.
Tip: You can slice them into chunks now or leave them whole to cut later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Stew
Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot and stir well. Pour in the broth and add the thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Return the sausages to the pot.
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and let cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage and let the stew simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted and tender. If the liquid reduces too much, add a splash more broth or water.
Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for a velvety finish, if desired.
Step 5: Taste, Garnish, and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
🍞 Serve with thick slices of Irish soda bread or warm buttered rolls.
🥔 Pair with mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful broth.
🍺 Pour a pint of Guinness or cider for an authentic Irish meal.
Variations & Add-ins
Spicy version: Use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Creamy finish: Stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end.
More veggies: Add parsnips, leeks, or celery for extra depth.
Slow cooker: Brown the sausages first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This stew freezes well — let it cool, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently warm on the stove or microwave until hot throughout.
Bonus: The flavors deepen and improve after a day or two in the fridge!
Final Thoughts
Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is the kind of recipe that makes you want to gather around the table. It’s hearty, simple, and full of nostalgic flavors that speak to home cooking at its best. Whether you’re celebrating Irish heritage or just craving a rich, satisfying meal, this stew is sure to hit the spot.