Small-Batch Cabbage and Potato Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply comforting Irish classic with tender potatoes and cabbage simmered in a savory bacon-infused broth, perfect for chilly evenings. This Irish-inspired comfort-food recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs smoked bacon, yellow onion, russet potato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Irish cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Render 4 oz diced smoked bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, 5-7 minutes, then remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent, 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 diced medium russet potatoes and 8 oz shredded savoy cabbage, cooking for 2 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, add 1 tsp caraway seeds, 2 fresh thyme sprigs, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Discard thyme stems and stir in 4 oz reserved bacon before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Small-Batch Cabbage and Potato Stew take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Small-Batch Cabbage and Potato Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked bacon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Small-Batch Cabbage and Potato Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Small-Batch Cabbage and Potato Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Small-Batch Cabbage and Potato Stew?

Irish comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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