Sausage & Cabbage Soup

Sausage and Cabbage Soup is a cozy, feel-good meal that makes a house feel like home. Something about a big pot of soup simmering away on the stove, filling the kitchen with delicious aromas, brings a sense of comfort. And when that soup is packed with hearty sausage, tender cabbage, and a rich, tomato-based broth? Even better.

Not only is this recipe easy (we’re talking one pot, minimal chopping, and simple pantry ingredients), but it’s also big on flavor. The Italian sausage adds a little spice, the cabbage softens beautifully in the broth, and a touch of brown sugar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes. Everything simmers together, creating a rich and cozy soup.

This soup reminds me a little of Cabbage Roll Soup minus the rice. I also used sausage instead of beef. You won’t even miss the rice, promise!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Big on Flavor: The Italian sausage, herbs, and tomatoes create a rich, hearty broth packed with taste.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just toss everything in the pot and let it simmer!
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients like cabbage, canned tomatoes, and pantry spices.
• Hearty & Filling: Loaded with protein and veggies, this soup is satisfying enough for a complete meal.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
• Customizable: Swap the sausage for a different protein, adjust the seasonings, or add extra veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Mild Italian sausage: Adds a rich, savory flavor and a bit of spice to the broth.
• Yellow onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
• Garlic: Enhances the savory notes and gives the broth a warm, aromatic taste.
• Cabbage: Softens as it simmers, adding a hearty texture and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Diced tomatoes: Form the base of the broth, giving it a rich, slightly tangy flavor.
• Water: Helps create the perfect broth consistency without overpowering the flavors.
• Dried basil: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet, peppery note to balance the richness.
• Dried oregano: Brings a warm, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and sausage.
• Rosemary: A hint of this herb gives the soup a fragrant, woodsy depth.
• Bay leaf: Infuses the broth with a subtle, slightly floral note for extra complexity.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the soup.
• Brown sugar: A small touch helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor.

How to Make Sausage and Cabbage Soup

• Step One: In a large pot, stir together all ingredients. Bring to a boil.
• Step Two: Cover and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Step Three: Remove the bay leaf before serving.

What to Serve With It

• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette, dinner rolls, or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Grilled Cheese: A crispy, melty grilled cheese sandwich makes for a comforting combo.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an extra cozy meal, serve the soup alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
• Rice or Quinoa: A scoop of rice or quinoa can be stirred into the soup to make it even heartier.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use a Different Sausage: Try spicy Italian sausage for more heat, turkey sausage for a leaner option, or smoked sausage for a deeper flavor.
• Make it Vegetarian: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or use white beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Change Up the Greens: Instead of cabbage, try kale, spinach, or Swiss chard for a different texture.
• Add More Veggies: Carrots, celery, bell peppers, or potatoes make great additions to bulk up the soup.
• Switch Up the Broth: Add chicken or beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a tangier soup, skip the brown sugar or add a splash of vinegar for extra depth.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Make It Low-Carb: Skip the brown sugar and watch the tomato portions to reduce carbs.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezer: This soup freezes well! Pour it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If frozen, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Brown the Sausage First: Cooking the sausage before adding the other ingredients helps develop a deeper, richer flavor in the soup.
• Chop the Cabbage Evenly: Cutting the cabbage into uniform pieces ensures it cooks evenly and blends well into the broth.
• Simmer for More Flavor: While 30 minutes is enough, letting the soup simmer longer (up to an hour) allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the broth. For a thinner consistency, add extra water or broth.
• Season to Taste: The salt level may vary depending on the sausage and tomatoes you use, so taste before serving and adjust as needed.
• Don’t Forget to Remove the Bay Leaf: It adds great flavor but isn’t meant to be eaten! Be sure to fish it out before serving.
• Make It in a Slow Cooker: Brown the sausage first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for an effortless meal.

Soup Recipes

• Chicken and Sausage Soup
• Spicy Sausage Soup
• Italian Sausage and Vegetable Stew
• Tomato Florentine Soup
• Lasagna Soup
• Taco Soup
• Beef and Barley Soup
• Hamburger Soup
• New England Clam Chowder
• Italian Sausage Soup with Rice and Spinach
• Hodge Podge Soup
• Creamy Cabbage Soup

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Try this Sausage Jambalaya, Sweet and Sour Cabbage, Spicy Sausage and Pepper One-Pot Pasta, and Cabbage Roll Casserole.

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