Sweet Cabbage Pork Stew

Featured in: One-Pot Cozy Classics

This comforting dish brings together tender pork shoulder, sweet cabbage, and crushed tomatoes simmered slowly to meld flavors. The pork is browned first for depth, then softened beside sautéed onions and cabbage. A flavorful, naturally sweet finish emerges after gentle simmering, perfect for busy nights seeking warmth and satisfaction. Adjust seasoning to taste, and consider additions like chili flakes or honey for a spiced or sweeter touch. Serve warm alongside crusty bread or boiled potatoes to complete the meal.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:13:00 GMT
Sweet cabbage and pork stew simmering gently in a large pot, vegetables are visible and tender. Pin It
Sweet cabbage and pork stew simmering gently in a large pot, vegetables are visible and tender. | cedaroven.com

A comforting, hearty stew featuring tender pork and sweet cabbage simmered together for a simple yet flavorful meal, perfect for busy weeknights.

This stew quickly became a family favorite after I first made it on a chilly evening—it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

  • Pork shoulder or pork stew meat: 500 g (1.1 lb) cut into bite sized pieces
  • Green cabbage: 1 medium head about 800 g / 1.75 lb cored and thickly sliced
  • Yellow onion: 1 large sliced
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata): 400 g (14 oz)
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium high heat Add the pork pieces and brown on all sides about 5 7 minutes
Step 2:
Add the sliced onion and sauté for another 3 minutes until softened
Step 3:
Stir in the cabbage and cook stirring for 5 minutes until it starts to wilt
Step 4:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper
Step 5:
Reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 35 40 minutes stirring occasionally until the pork is tender and the cabbage is soft and sweet
Step 6:
Adjust seasoning to taste before serving
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This stew is perfect for sharing with the family on cold nights—it brings everyone together around the table with its rich flavors.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven cutting board sharp knife wooden spoon

Nutritional Information

Calories 270 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 16 g Protein 22 g per serving

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens Always check labels on canned tomatoes if gluten or other allergens are a concern

A close-up of a flavorful sweet cabbage and pork stew, showcasing the tender pork chunks. Pin It
A close-up of a flavorful sweet cabbage and pork stew, showcasing the tender pork chunks. | cedaroven.com

This sweet cabbage and pork stew is a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at your table.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of pork works best?

Pork shoulder or stew meat is ideal for this dish due to its balance of tenderness and flavor when simmered slowly.

Can I substitute green cabbage with other vegetables?

While green cabbage provides the sweet base, savoy or Napa cabbage can be used but may slightly alter texture and flavor.

How do I adjust the sweetness in the dish?

Adding a teaspoon of sugar or honey during cooking enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage and tomatoes.

Is there a way to add heat to this meal?

Yes, a pinch of chili flakes stirred in before simmering adds a pleasant spicy kick without overpowering flavors.

What sides complement this stew best?

Crusty bread or boiled potatoes pair wonderfully, helping to soak up the rich, savory broth and complete the meal.

Sweet Cabbage Pork Stew

Tender pork and sweet cabbage merge in a flavorful, comforting stew with tomatoes and spices.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
50 min
Overall Time
60 min
Created by Evan Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Central European

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Meats

01 1.1 pounds pork shoulder or pork stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

01 1 medium head green cabbage (about 1.75 pounds), cored and thickly sliced
02 1 large yellow onion, sliced

Pantry

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

Seasonings

01 Salt, to taste
02 Black pepper, to taste

How To Make It

Step 01

Brown pork: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add pork pieces and brown on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 02

Sauté onions: Add sliced onion to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Cook cabbage: Stir in sliced cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt.

Step 04

Combine tomatoes and season: Pour in crushed tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 05

Simmer stew: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and cabbage softens and sweetens.

Step 06

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review all items for potential allergens. If needed, ask a medical expert.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify canned tomato labels for gluten or other allergen presence.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Details given for reference only—contact your doctor for personal advice.
  • Caloric Value: 270
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 22 g