Sweet Cabbage Pork Stew

Featured in: One-Pot Comfort Meals

This dish brings together tender pork shoulder cubes and freshly chopped green cabbage, slowly simmered in crushed tomatoes and seasoned simply with salt and pepper. The pork browns to develop a rich base, while the cabbage softens and sweetens during a long, gentle simmer. The result is a hearty, comforting stew that highlights natural flavors with just a handful of ingredients. Optional spices like caraway seeds or smoked paprika add depth, and it pairs perfectly with crusty bread or boiled potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Preparation is quick and easy, requiring only basic kitchen tools, making this a fuss-free yet flavorful centerpiece for any dinner. The dish is gluten- and dairy-free, suitable for various dietary needs, and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:03:00 GMT
Tender pork and cabbage simmer in a flavorful Sweet Cabbage and Pork Stew, ready to warm you up. Save to Pinterest
Tender pork and cabbage simmer in a flavorful Sweet Cabbage and Pork Stew, ready to warm you up. | maplefrost.com

A hearty, comforting stew featuring tender pork and sweet cabbage, simmered together with just five simple ingredients for maximum flavor and minimal fuss.

This stew has been a family favorite for years, reminding me of cozy evenings spent around the dinner table.

Ingredients

  • Meats: 500 g (1.1 lbs) pork shoulder or pork stew meat, cut into 2 3 cm (1-inch) cubes
  • Vegetables: 1 medium head (about 700 g / 1.5 lbs) green cabbage, cored and chopped
  • Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • Pantry: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
  • Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
Step 2:
Add the pork cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 7 minutes.
Step 3:
Add the diced onion and cook, stirring, for 3 4 minutes until softened.
Step 4:
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 6:
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the cabbage is sweet and soft.
Step 7:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or boiled potatoes.
A steaming bowl of comforting Sweet Cabbage and Pork Stew, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Save to Pinterest
A steaming bowl of comforting Sweet Cabbage and Pork Stew, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. | maplefrost.com

This stew brings my family together, creating warm memories from every meal.

Required Tools

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven Sharp knife Cutting board Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens if using processed or canned products.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320 Total Fat: 14 g Carbohydrates: 18 g Protein: 28 g

Imagine the aroma: flavorful Sweet Cabbage and Pork Stew with juicy pork and soft cabbage. Save to Pinterest
Imagine the aroma: flavorful Sweet Cabbage and Pork Stew with juicy pork and soft cabbage. | maplefrost.com

Enjoy this stew as a comforting meal perfect for any season.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of pork works best for this stew?

Pork shoulder or stew meat cubes are ideal as they become tender and flavorful after slow simmering.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be blended or crushed to replace canned, but ensure they are ripe for optimal flavor.

How can I adjust the seasoning for more depth?

Adding caraway seeds, a bay leaf during simmering, or smoked paprika can enhance the stew’s complexity.

Is there a substitute for pork to make this lighter?

Turkey thigh pieces can be used as a leaner alternative, maintaining tender results.

What are the best side dishes to serve with this stew?

Crusty bread or boiled potatoes complement the stew well, soaking up the savory juices and balancing its richness.

How long should I cook the stew for optimal tenderness?

Simmering for 45-50 minutes allows the pork to become tender and the cabbage to soften and sweeten.

Sweet Cabbage Pork Stew

Tender pork and sweet cabbage simmered to create a hearty, flavorful main dish with minimal ingredients.

Prep time
10 minutes
Time to cook
60 minutes
Overall time
70 minutes
Created by Hannah Marlowe


Level Easy

Cuisine type Central European

Makes 4 Portions

Diet preferences No dairy, No gluten

What You’ll Need

Meats

01 1.1 lbs pork shoulder or pork stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

01 1 medium head green cabbage (about 1.5 lbs), cored and chopped

Aromatics

01 1 large yellow onion, diced

Pantry

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes or tomato passata

Seasoning

01 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Heat oil: Warm vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

Step 02

Brown pork: Add pork cubes and brown evenly on all sides, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 03

Sauté onion: Add diced onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 04

Cook cabbage: Stir in chopped cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly wilted, around 5 minutes.

Step 05

Add tomatoes and season: Pour in crushed tomatoes, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 06

Simmer stew: Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and cabbage is soft and sweet.

Step 07

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread or boiled potatoes.

Equipment you’ll need

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy details

Be sure to review ingredient lists for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains no common allergens. Verify processed or canned items for hidden allergens.

Nutrition info (per portion)

All nutrition info is just for reference and can’t replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Total fat: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Proteins: 28 grams