The cabbage and sausage soup with potatoes is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Tender cabbage leaves mingle with smoky sausage, red potatoes and a savory tomato-beef broth to create a soup that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

This cabbage and sausage soup is far from bland. Cabbage alone can be mild, but paired with smoky andouille-style sausage, diced red potatoes, tomato sauce and a blend of herbs and spices, it becomes a hearty, well-rounded soup. The beef stock deepens the savory notes, while the vegetables add brightness and texture.
The recipe is straightforward and family-friendly, and it works well as a weekday dinner or a centerpiece for a casual gathering. It also makes a great option for Saint Patrick’s Day when you want a warm, comforting bowl that complements traditional fare.
🥬 Ingredients

Use the ingredients below as a reliable base for this soup. Substitutions and variations are suggested in the notes section so you can adapt the recipe to your taste or what you have on hand.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2–3 medium)
- 1 cup chopped celery (about 3–4 stalks)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound green cabbage, chopped (small to medium head)
- 1 pound andouille-style smoked sausage, sliced (or kielbasa, Polish sausage, or ground sausage)
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, washed and quartered
- 6 cups beef stock (or vegetable/chicken stock)
- 1 14-oz can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
The amounts above serve about 6 people. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock and swap the sausage for smoked tofu or beans.
🥘 How to Make
Prepare all vegetables and the sausage before you begin. Cabbage reduces in volume as it cooks, so chop it into bite-sized pieces.

- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add the carrots and celery and cook until they begin to soften, about 4–5 minutes more.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced sausage, chopped cabbage, quartered potatoes, salt, pepper, bay leaf and dried herbs. Stir to combine and coat the ingredients with the seasonings.
- Pour in the beef stock and the can of tomato sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low so the soup simmers gently but does not boil vigorously.
- Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or soda bread for a hearty meal.
Pro tip: Cook the potatoes slowly at a gentle simmer. If the pot is boiling too hard they can overcook and become grainy or bland. A steady, gentle simmer gives the best texture and flavor.

❓ Recipe FAQs
How do you freeze cabbage soup?
This soup freezes well for a few months when stored in a freezer-safe container. Leave headspace for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
What is the best sausage to use?
Smoky sausages work particularly well—such as andouille, kielbasa or Polish sausage—but you can use mild Italian sausage, ground sausage, or any smoked sausage you enjoy. For a spicier soup, choose a hot or spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes.
🍲 Other Soup Recipes
If you like this soup, try other hearty bowls such as sausage and tortellini soup, chicken orzo, or a quick beef taco-style soup. These soups share similar comforting flavors and simple preparation.
Did you make this recipe? If you tried it and enjoyed it, please leave a comment and rating. I love hearing how recipes turn out and any variations you used.
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📋 Recipe
Cabbage Soup with Sausage and Potatoes
Author: Kristin
This cabbage and sausage soup is hearty, easy to make, and full of savory flavor from the smoked sausage and rich stock.
- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 30 mins
- Total time: 40 mins
- Servings: 6
- Calories (approx): 411 kcal per serving
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb green cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb andouille-style smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb baby red potatoes, quartered
- 6 cups beef stock
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare and dice all vegetables and slice the sausage.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent.
- Add carrots and celery; cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add sausage, cabbage, potatoes and seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Pour in beef stock and tomato sauce; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes and Substitutions
- Spicy version: add red pepper flakes or use a spicier sausage.
- Potato alternatives: swap potatoes for green beans, zucchini, rice, or beans (adjust cooking times accordingly).
- Sausage alternatives: kielbasa, Polish sausage, mild Italian sausage, or ground turkey/pork (brown ground meat first and drain excess fat).
- Italian seasoning can replace the oregano, thyme and parsley if preferred.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 411 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Sodium: variable depending on stock and sausage