Print

Hearty Smoky Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup: Easy One-Pot Meal

kielbasa and cabbage soup - featured image
Print Recipe

This hearty smoky kielbasa and cabbage soup is a comforting one-pot meal that comes together in about 45 minutes. With simple ingredients and deep, rich flavor from browned kielbasa and smoked paprika, it’s perfect for cold nights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12–14 ounces smoked kielbasa, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 6–7 cups)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the kielbasa: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add sliced kielbasa in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned and crispy. Flip and repeat on the other side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer kielbasa to a plate. Do not wipe out the pot.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the rendered fat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and vegetables have softened. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom as you stir.
  3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add cabbage and potatoes: Toss in chopped cabbage and cubed potatoes. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until cabbage starts to wilt slightly.
  5. Pour in liquids: Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine, scraping up any remaining browned bits from the bottom. Drop in bay leaves.
  6. Return kielbasa: Add browned kielbasa back to the pot. Stir well.
  7. Simmer: Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and cabbage is soft. Stir occasionally.
  8. Season and serve: Remove bay leaves. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t rush the browning step—it adds deep flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. The soup is even better the next day as flavors meld. For freezing, cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: kielbasa and cabbage soup, smoky kielbasa soup, one-pot soup, cabbage soup, hearty soup, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/hearty-smoky-kielbasa-and-cabbage-soup-easy-one-pot-meal/