Name: Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tsp Avocado Oil; 1 lb Kielbasa Sausage, sliced into rounds; 1 Yellow Onion, diced; 1 Tbsp Ghee (or butter); 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)

If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like home in a bowl — smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and buttery cabbage all swimming in a flavorful broth. I absolutely love how this soup comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours simmering it. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips so you can make this fan-freaking-tastic soup with zero guesswork.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights when you want comfort fast.
Family Favorite: My whole crew goes crazy for this soup — even the picky eaters ask for seconds!
Hearty & Nutritious: Loaded with protein, veggies, and cozy carbs to satisfy your hunger without weighing you down.
Flexible Ingredients: Use what you have on hand, swap veggies, or spice it up to suit your taste.

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, quick comfort food recipes, easy Polish cabbage soup, flavorful sausage and potato soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe calls for ingredients that complement each other perfectly — the smoky kielbasa adds depth, potatoes bring heartiness, and cabbage keeps it fresh and light. When shopping, look for good-quality kielbasa for the best flavor, and don’t skip the Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture.

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, quick comfort food recipes, easy Polish cabbage soup, flavorful sausage and potato soup

Avocado Oil: I like this oil because it has a high smoke point and adds a neutral, clean flavor.
Kielbasa Sausage: Go for smoked kielbasa if possible — it really amps up the soup’s deliciousness.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and balances the smokiness of the sausage.
Ghee (or butter): Gives the soup a rich, buttery base that’s more flavorful than plain oil.
Green Cabbage: Sliced or shredded, it cooks down tender and soaks up the savory broth.
Garlic: Minced for that punch of aromatic flavor that lifts the whole dish.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: I love these for their creamy texture and buttery flavor when cooked.
Carrots: Sliced rounds add a slight sweetness and vibrant color.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring everything together.
Dried Dill: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with cabbage and sausage.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the broth.
Chicken Broth: Use a good-quality broth or homemade for a rich base.
Fresh Dill (optional): Great for garnish and fresh herbal brightness.

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

I love how versatile this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or what we’re craving that day. Feel free to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!

Vegetable Boost: I’ve tossed in chopped kale or spinach for extra greens — they wilt nicely and add nutrients without overpowering the soup.
Spice It Up: Try stirring in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes when sautéing the veggies for a little heat.
Low-Sodium Swap: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt later to keep it heart-healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Potato Alternatives: Sometimes I replace Yukon Gold with sweet potatoes for a subtly sweet twist that goes surprisingly well.

How to Make Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating avocado oil in your dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook it until it gets nicely browned on both sides — this should take around 5-7 minutes. You’ll see a gorgeous crust form, which amps up the smoky flavor in every bite. Once browned, remove the kielbasa and set it aside. Don’t forget to discard any excess fat to avoid a greasy soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies to Softness

In the same pot, melt the ghee (or butter) over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sliced cabbage, letting them sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and the onions become translucent. This step creates the soup’s sweet and tender vegetable base that balances the kielbasa’s meatiness.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base with Garlic and Root Veggies

Add the minced garlic, cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, dried dill, and paprika. Sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes to help the flavors marry and the garlic get fragrant. This little step really intensifies the taste of the broth you’ll simmer shortly.

Step 4: Combine, Simmer, and Let Flavors Meld

Now, stir the browned kielbasa back into your pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Let everything cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to make sure the potatoes don’t overcook and start falling apart.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, sprinkle some fresh dill on top for an herbal brightness that really elevates this rustic dish. Then spoon up and dig in — your taste buds will thank you!

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Pro Tips for Making Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe

Don’t Rush Browning: Taking time to brown the kielbasa develops deep flavors you just can’t get by skipping this step.
Ghee Upgrade: I switched from plain butter to ghee and noticed the soup tastes richer, especially when sautéing the onions and cabbage.
Potato Size Matters: Cube your potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly—no one likes half-mushy, half-crunchy bites.
Avoid Overcooking Cabbage: Add cabbage early enough to soften but not so long it turns to mush—aim for tender with a little bite.

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, quick comfort food recipes, easy Polish cabbage soup, flavorful sausage and potato soup

Garnishes

Fresh dill is my go-to garnish because it brightens every spoonful and complements the cabbage beautifully. Sometimes I also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to cut through the richness and add a bit of tang.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to sop up the broth. For a full meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which adds a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls — it’s an instant crowd-pleaser and makes your Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe even cozier. Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika for that Instagram-worthy pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and have found it tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to meld. It usually keeps well for up to 3-4 days without losing texture or taste.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, label them with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, I’ve noticed the potatoes stay firm rather than getting mushy, which can be a problem with some soups.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the soup in a pot over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly. If it’s too thick after refrigeration or freezing, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While kielbasa is traditional and adds a smoky flavor, you can substitute smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and keep in mind that fattier sausages may release more oil during browning.
Is it necessary to brown the kielbasa before adding it to the soup?

While you technically can add kielbasa straight to the broth, browning it first develops a deep, caramelized flavor that really enriches the soup. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!
Can I make this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the kielbasa for hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be delicious, though it won’t have that smoky sausage flavor.
What’s the best cabbage to use in this soup?

Green cabbage is classic here because it holds up well during cooking and has a mild flavor. You could also try Savoy cabbage for a slightly sweeter, tender texture or Napa cabbage for a lighter variation.

Final Thoughts

This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers whenever I want something warm, filling, and fuss-free. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket — perfect for cooler days or anytime you need a little kitchen comfort. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a favorite in your family’s rotation too. Give it a try, and let me know how you like to customize it — I’m always up for swapping tips!