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Easy One Pot Kielbasa Cabbage Soup: Ready in 30 Minutes

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A quick and satisfying one-pot soup featuring smoky kielbasa, tender cabbage, and savory broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, this budget-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small head of green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients. Slice the kielbasa into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the cabbage, and dice the carrots.
  2. Brown the kielbasa. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the kielbasa to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the vegetables. Toss in the chopped cabbage and diced carrots. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes, letting the cabbage wilt slightly.
  5. Add the liquids and seasonings. Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Bring the soup to a boil.
  6. Simmer. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
  7. Finish and serve. Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Stir in the apple cider vinegar if using. Let it heat through for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the kielbasa—it adds essential smoky depth. Green cabbage is best; avoid red cabbage. Season as you go and adjust at the end. The soup tastes even better the next day. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: kielbasa cabbage soup, one pot soup, easy soup recipe, 30 minute meal, comfort food, budget-friendly dinner, cabbage soup with sausage

Find it online: https://milacook.com/easy-one-pot-kielbasa-cabbage-soup-ready-in-30-minutes/