Name: Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 tsp Avocado Oil; 1 lb Kielbasa Sausage (sliced into rounds); 1 Tbls Ghee (or butter); 1 Yellow Onion (diced); 4 cups Green Cabbage (sliced or shredded); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 2-3 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes (cubed); 4 Carrots (peeled & sliced into rounds); 1 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Pepper; 1/2 tsp Dried Dill; 1/2 tsp Paprika; 5 cups Chicken Broth; Fresh Dill (optional topping)

If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up and packed with bold flavors, you’re going to be thrilled with this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and buttery cabbage all simmered into one satisfying bowl. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to soups for chilly evenings or anytime you want a hearty meal on the table fast.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples already, making it an easy weeknight dinner.
Rich, Smoky Flavor: The kielbasa adds a delicious depth that really makes this soup stand out.
Comfort in a Bowl: Perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and nourishing.
Versatile and Family-Friendly: Easily adaptable to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

A bowl filled with a thick stew showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a light brown broth; the middle layer has large yellow potato chunks and slices of orange carrots; the top layer includes browned sausage slices, shredded light cabbage, and small green herb sprigs scattered on top. The bowl is white with small dark speckles and sits on a white marbled surface. Next to it are two slices of white bread and a wooden pepper grinder partially visible. A wooden spoon and a white textured cloth are placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup, hearty sausage and cabbage soup, easy kielbasa soup recipe, comforting cabbage and sausage stew, quick sausage and veggie soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so nicely—the kielbasa provides that smoky, savory backbone while the cabbage keeps things light but still comforting. I like using Yukon Gold potatoes because they hold their shape well, but you can swap in any waxy potato you prefer.

Flat lay of sliced kielbasa sausage rounds, bright orange carrot slices, cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, shredded green cabbage, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, fresh dill sprigs, and a small pat of golden ghee beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup, hearty sausage and cabbage soup, easy kielbasa soup recipe, comforting cabbage and sausage stew, quick sausage and veggie soup

Avocado Oil: Great for sautéing thanks to its mild flavor and high smoke point.
Kielbasa Sausage: Look for a good quality smoked kielbasa for the best flavor.
Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Ghee (or butter): Enhances the richness of the soup and helps develop flavor.
Green Cabbage: Sliced or shredded, it softens just enough but keeps a nice texture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the broth with aromatic warmth.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: They’re creamy and stay firm during cooking.
Carrots: Add just the right touch of sweetness and color.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning; fresh cracked pepper adds a little kick.
Dried Dill: Gives the soup a hint of herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with kielbasa.
Paprika: Smoked or sweet works great to deepen the flavor profile.
Chicken Broth: The base of the soup – homemade or store-bought both work well.
Fresh Dill (optional): Just the right finishing touch tossed on top before serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I encourage you to make it your own, whether you want it heartier, lighter, or with a little more kick.

Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the garlic for some extra heat — my family loves this version when the weather’s brisk.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the kielbasa for smoked tofu or hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.
Extra Greens: Stir in some chopped kale or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
Cheesy Comfort: Sprinkle a little shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan on top just before serving.

How to Make Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa

Start by heating the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook it evenly until it’s nicely browned on both sides—this step adds great flavor and a bit of caramelization that makes the sausage pop. When it’s done, remove the kielbasa and set it aside. I like to discard any excess fat in the pan to keep the soup from getting greasy, but a little bit left behind adds richness.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, melt the ghee in the same pot and toss in your diced onion and sliced cabbage. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and get fragrant—this is when the soup really begins to build layers of flavor. Add the minced garlic, cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and season everything with salt, pepper, dried dill, and paprika. Give it another 2-3 minutes of sautéing to wake up the garlic and toast the spices just a bit.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Return the browned kielbasa to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let the soup cook gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the carrots have softened perfectly. You’ll notice the flavors melding together wonderfully at this stage.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and scoop a generous amount of kielbasa, veggies, and broth. For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle with a little fresh dill—this is my favorite part because it adds brightness that balances the smoky richness of the sausage. Then, dig in and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious soup!

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Pro Tips for Making Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe

Don’t Rush the Browning: Browning the kielbasa properly adds smoky caramelized notes that infuse the whole soup.
Keep Veggies Bite-Perfect: I like to cut my potatoes and carrots into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly without getting mushy.
Use Good Broth: Opt for a quality chicken broth or make your own for the most flavorful base—it really makes a difference.
Fresh Dill Finish: Adding fresh dill at the end brightens the rich flavors and gives the soup a lovely herbal lift.

How to Serve Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe

A bowl filled with soup showing three layers: at the bottom, a light brown broth; above it, chunks of light yellow potatoes and slices of orange carrots; on top, slices of dark brown sausage mixed with shredded translucent cabbage and small green dill sprigs scattered throughout. The bowl is round and white with a natural rim. Next to the bowl is a white cloth napkin and a spoon with a wooden handle resting on it. To the top left, there are two slices of pale bread set on crumpled parchment paper. Part of a white cooking pot containing more of the same soup is visible in the top right corner. The whole scene is arranged on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup, hearty sausage and cabbage soup, easy kielbasa soup recipe, comforting cabbage and sausage stew, quick sausage and veggie soup

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of a sprinkle of fresh dill on top—its slightly lemony, fresh flavor is the perfect counterpoint to the smoky sausage. Sometimes, I also add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess or some crunchy croutons if I want a little texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This soup is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with some crusty artisan bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal. Occasionally, I serve it alongside a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans to add a bit of freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made this soup for a casual dinner party, I like serving it in mason jars for a rustic, charming look. For family-style dinners, ladling into big bowls with fresh herb garnish and placing bread baskets nearby makes it feel warm and inviting. A sprinkle of paprika on top just before serving adds a pop of color that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This soup actually tastes better the next day because the flavors have more time to mingle! Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the freshness.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this soup. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’ll still taste delicious and hearty.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. I avoid microwaving because I prefer to control the heat and texture better on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While kielbasa is traditional and gives that smoky flavor, you can substitute smoked Polish sausage, Andouille, or even a mild sausage if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times slightly if your sausage needs to be fully cooked before adding.
Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose a gluten-free kielbasa and confirm your chicken broth is gluten-free. It’s a great option for those watching gluten intake.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the kielbasa and sauté the veggies first to develop flavor, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
What’s the best way to slice the cabbage for this soup?

I like slicing it thinly into ribbons or shredding it by hand—it softens faster and gives a nice texture without large chunks. But if you prefer larger pieces, just adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort without fuss. It’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites but still keeps things light and fresh with the cabbage and herbs. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as my family and I do — it’s honestly like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try next time you want an easy dinner with big flavor!