This comforting soup is a hug in a bowl, bringing together tender cabbage, savory sausage, and a medley of vegetables in a rich broth. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any chilly evening.
Imagine a steaming bowl brimming with vibrant colors and delicious aromas, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Recipe Details
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
Add-ins and Substitutions
How to Make Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Soup
Recipe Tips
FAQs
Serving Suggestions
Make This Recipe in Advance
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Savory, herbaceous, with a slight sweetness from the vegetables.
- Texture: Tender vegetables and sausage with a satisfyingly brothy base.
- Total Active Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Total Cook Time: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Difficulty Level: Easy, perfect for beginner cooks.
What You’ll Need
This hearty soup relies on a few simple components to create its deep flavor. We start with delicious smoked sausage, which lends a wonderful savory depth. A base of aromatics like onion, carrots, and celery builds the foundation, while tender cabbage and fire-roasted tomatoes add body and sweetness. All of this comes together in a nourishing beef or chicken broth, seasoned with Italian herbs for that classic comfort food feel.
Ingredient Notes
- Smoked Sausage – I prefer using a good quality smoked turkey sausage or beef sausage for this recipe. Look for varieties that are already cooked and flavorful. Slicing it into 1/2-inch coins ensures each bite is packed with flavor and cooks through beautifully.
- Olive Oil – A little olive oil is perfect for sautéing our vegetables and getting a lovely golden sear on the sausage, starting our flavor development right from the beginning.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery – This classic trio, often called a mirepoix, forms the aromatic base of many delicious soups. Chopping them into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a pungent warmth that complements the other ingredients.
- Green Cabbage – Cabbage is the star here, softening beautifully as it simmers, adding a wonderful texture and slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Removing the core and chopping it makes it easy to incorporate into the soup.
- Broth – Low-sodium beef or chicken broth is ideal, allowing you to control the saltiness of the soup. Either works wonderfully to create a rich and flavorful base.
- Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes – These add a lovely depth and a hint of smokiness to the broth, along with a touch of acidity and sweetness.
- Italian Seasoning – This dried herb blend typically includes basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, providing a classic savory profile that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out and balancing all the flavors in the soup. Always season to your liking towards the end of cooking.
- Fresh Parsley – A simple garnish of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the whole dish.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Add Potatoes: For an even heartier soup, consider adding a diced potato or two along with the cabbage.
- Different Sausage: If you can’t find smoked turkey or beef sausage, a good quality smoked kielbasa would also be delicious.
- Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables.
- Leafy Greens: A handful of spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last few minutes of simmering for extra nutrients.
How to Make Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Soup
This soup comes together with straightforward steps that deliver maximum flavor.
- Begin by browning your sliced sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside. This step is key for developing a deep, savory foundation.
- In the same pot, add your chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté these vegetables until they begin to soften, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. This gentle cooking allows their natural sweetness to emerge.
- Stir in the minced garlic and the Italian seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the chopped cabbage, the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained), the beef or chicken broth, and the browned sausage back into the pot.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook until the cabbage and vegetables are tender. This usually takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on how small you’ve chopped your vegetables.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. A good starting point is 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, then adjust from there.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush the sautéing of the vegetables. Allowing them to soften and slightly caramelize builds a much richer flavor base for your soup.
Recipe Tips
- Sausage Searing: Ensure your sausage is nicely browned before setting it aside. This not only adds flavor but also renders out some of the fat, which can be a good thing for flavor in this soup.
- Vegetable Tenderness: Cook the vegetables until they are tender but not mushy. You want them to have a pleasant bite that complements the broth.
- Seasoning is Key: Always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end. Broth and sausage can vary in saltiness, so tasting ensures your soup is perfectly balanced.
- Broth Choice: While both beef and chicken broth work, beef broth will lend a deeper, richer flavor that complements the sausage beautifully.
FAQs
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- How do I store leftovers? Leftover Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth. A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast. For an extra touch of comfort, you could serve it with some simple crackers or a dollop of sour cream.
Make This Recipe in Advance
This Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire soup a day or two in advance, and the flavors will meld and deepen beautifully. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, you can add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Soup
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
This comforting and hearty cabbage and sausage soup is a hug in a bowl, perfect for any chilly evening. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s easy to make, bringing together tender cabbage, savory sausage, and a medley of vegetables in a rich broth.
Ingredients
1 lb smoked turkey sausage or beef sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch coins
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 large carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 head green cabbage, cored and chopped
6 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
First, brown your sliced sausage in a large pot with olive oil, then set it aside.
Next, sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften before adding the garlic and Italian seasoning.
Finally, combine the cabbage, tomatoes, broth, and browned sausage, simmer until tender, and season to your liking.
Notes
Ensure your sausage is nicely browned before setting it aside. This not only adds flavor but also renders out some of the fat, which can be a good thing for flavor in this soup.
Cook the vegetables until they are tender but not mushy. You want them to have a pleasant bite that complements the broth.
Always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end. Broth and sausage can vary in saltiness, so tasting ensures your soup is perfectly balanced.
While both beef and chicken broth work, beef broth will lend a deeper, richer flavor that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
