Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is a rich, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with hearty sausages, tender cabbage, and flavorful broth, this rustic stew embodies traditional Irish flavors. The addition of dark beer and Worcestershire sauce deepens the taste, making it a truly satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling – Packed with sausages, cabbage, and carrots, this stew is a complete meal.
- Easy One-Pot Dish – Simple ingredients come together in one pot for an effortless meal.
- Traditional Irish Flavors – The combination of sausages, cabbage, and beer makes for an authentic Irish-inspired dish.
- Customizable – Easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 6 pork sausages (Irish or bratwurst)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, cut into large chunks
- 3 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dark beer (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Brown the Sausages
- Heat the Oil – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Sausages – Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the Onion and Garlic – In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.
- Add the Carrots and Cabbage – Stir in the carrots and chopped cabbage, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Simmer the Stew
- Add the Liquid and Spices – Pour in the broth, dark beer (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Return the Sausages – Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces (or leave them whole) and add them back into the pot.
- Simmer – Cover and let the stew simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove Bay Leaves – Discard the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve Hot – Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
- Yield – 4-6 servings
- Preparation Time – 10 minutes
- Cooking Time – 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausages for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version – Use plant-based sausages and vegetable broth.
- Thicker Stew – Stir in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth.
- Extra Vegetables – Add potatoes, celery, or leeks for more texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, bratwurst, kielbasa, or Italian sausage all work well.
What can I substitute for dark beer?
Use additional broth or apple cider for a different depth of flavor.
How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too soft?
Add the cabbage in the last 15 minutes of cooking for a firmer texture.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausages first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What’s the best side dish for this stew?
Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or Irish soda bread.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors develop even more when stored overnight in the fridge.
Do I need to use Worcestershire sauce?
It adds depth, but you can omit it or replace it with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely! Add diced potatoes for a heartier dish.
How can I make this dish lower in sodium?
Use low-sodium broth and reduce the added salt.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but it will slightly alter the flavor and color of the stew.
Conclusion
This Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is a warm, hearty dish full of traditional flavors. With tender sausages, rich broth, and soft cabbage, it’s the ultimate comfort meal. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a St. Patrick’s Day feast, this simple stew is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Ireland at home!
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Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Irish Sausage & Cabbage Stew is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender sausages, cabbage, and carrots simmered in a flavorful broth. Infused with dark beer and Worcestershire sauce, this traditional Irish-inspired stew is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 6 pork sausages (Irish or bratwurst)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, cut into large chunks
- 3 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dark beer (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
-
Brown the Sausages:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sausages and brown on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the carrots and cabbage, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt.
-
Build the Stew Base:
- Pour in the broth and dark beer (if using).
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
-
Simmer the Stew:
- Return the sausages to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a richer broth, use beef broth and let the stew simmer longer.
- Swap out pork sausages for chicken or plant-based alternatives.
- Add potatoes for an even heartier version.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: rish, Comfort Food