Hearty, Cozy Cabbage Stew with Smoky Bacon and Tender Vegetables
This Cabbage and Bacon Stew is a simple, comforting meal packed with savory flavor. Crispy bacon, sweet onions, tender cabbage, and potatoes simmer together in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s an inexpensive one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings and easy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and affordable ingredients
- One-pot comfort food
- Smoky, savory bacon flavor
- Tender cabbage and potatoes
- Easy to customize
- Great for leftovers
- Perfect for a cozy family dinner
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Optional
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped bacon and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy.
Transfer about half of the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the remaining bacon and rendered fat in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the potatoes and carrots.
Stir well so they’re coated with the bacon drippings.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage a little at a time.
It may look like a lot at first, but the cabbage will quickly shrink as it cooks.
Stir everything together.
Step 5: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and water.
Add the smoked paprika, black pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and salt.
Stir well.
If using smoked sausage or diced tomatoes, add them now.
Step 6: Simmer
Bring the stew to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 30–40 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
The stew is ready when the potatoes are tender and the cabbage is soft.
Step 7: Finish the Stew
Remove the bay leaf.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
The small amount of vinegar helps balance the richness of the bacon and brighten the cabbage.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the hot stew into bowls.
Top with the reserved crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with crusty bread or warm cornbread.
Tips for the Best Cabbage and Bacon Stew
Let the bacon brown
Well-browned bacon provides the smoky foundation for the entire stew.
Don’t discard all the bacon fat
The rendered bacon fat adds tremendous flavor to the onions and vegetables.
Cut the potatoes evenly
Similar-sized pieces will cook at the same rate.
Don’t rush the simmer
Gentle cooking allows the cabbage and potatoes to become tender while giving the broth time to develop flavor.
Add vinegar at the end
A small splash of apple cider vinegar keeps the stew from tasting overly heavy.
Delicious Variations
Cabbage, Bacon & Sausage Stew
Add sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa for a heartier meal.
Spicy Cabbage Stew
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or sliced jalapeños.
Tomato Cabbage Stew
Add a can of diced tomatoes for a slightly sweeter, more acidic broth.
Creamy Cabbage Stew
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream during the final few minutes for a richer version.
Bean and Cabbage Stew
Add a can of drained white beans or cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
Carrot-Free Version
Skip the carrots and add extra potatoes, celery, or another favorite vegetable.
What to Serve With It
This stew is delicious with:
- Crusty French bread
- Cornbread
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Biscuits
- Buttered toast
- Simple green salad
For an especially hearty meal, serve it with warm cornbread for soaking up the smoky broth.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Cabbage and bacon stew is excellent for making ahead.
Prepare the stew, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in a covered container.
The flavor often becomes even better the next day.
When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop and add a little broth or water if necessary.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
You can also freeze the stew for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
The potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing, but the stew will still be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, although the stew will have less of the rich smoky flavor that traditional bacon provides. Add a little olive oil when sautéing the onions if needed.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, but the color and flavor will be different. Green cabbage is best for the traditional version.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Leave out the bacon and sauté the vegetables in olive oil or butter. Use vegetable broth and add smoked paprika for a little smoky flavor.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the bacon and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage and Bacon Stew is old-fashioned comfort food at its best. The combination of smoky bacon, tender cabbage, potatoes, carrots, sweet onions, and flavorful broth creates a hearty meal from inexpensive ingredients.
Add some smoked sausage for an even heartier version, or keep it simple with bacon and vegetables. Either way, serve it with warm crusty bread and enjoy a bowl of cozy homemade goodness.
