Slow-Cooked Pork and Cabbage Stew (Bigos)

2 h 25 min | intermediate | high-protein

Overhead view of an orange-handled Dutch oven filled with bigos—tender browned pork pieces mixed with soft shredded cabbage and sauerkraut in a light, glossy stew—on a white marble countertop.

Recipe by Eunice Updated Mar 7, 2025

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
25 min	2 h	2 h 25 min

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Introduction

This slow-cooked pork and cabbage stew, inspired by Polish bigos, is hearty, smoky, and deeply comforting.

Tender pork shoulder simmers with fresh cabbage, tangy sauerkraut, and a rich, savory broth for incredible flavor in every bite.

It’s perfect for cozy weekends, easy make-ahead dinners, or a comforting bowl on a cold winter night.

Bowl of bigos (slow-cooked pork and cabbage stew) with tender pork chunks and shredded cabbage in a glossy amber broth; an orange Dutch oven of stew sits blurred in the background on a marble counter.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Pork and Cabbage Stew (Bigos)

Prep mode (keeps screen active)

Season the pork

Pat the pork pieces dry with paper towels so they brown instead of steaming.
Toss with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until every piece is lightly coated.
Brown the pork

Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Brown the pork in batches, turning until all sides are golden and crusty.
Transfer browned pork to a bowl and leave the flavorful drippings in the pot.

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Cook the onion and garlic

Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot.
Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft and lightly golden, about eight minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about thirty seconds.
Build the spiced tomato base

Add the tomato paste, caraway seeds, dried thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the onions.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and smells sweet, about two minutes.
Add the cabbage and sauerkraut

Pile the shredded cabbage into the pot and toss with the onion mixture.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage just starts to wilt, about five minutes.
Stir in the drained sauerkraut so it is evenly distributed.

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Deglaze with wine

Pour in the dry white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
Let the wine simmer for two to three minutes to reduce slightly.
Add broth, sauces, and pork

Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, then add the bay leaf.
Return the browned pork and any juices from the bowl back into the pot.
Stir gently to combine everything into an even mixture.
Slow-cook the stew

Bring the stew just to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer quietly.
Cook for one and a half to two hours, stirring every thirty minutes to prevent sticking.

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Adjust seasoning and serve

Taste the broth and add more salt or pepper if needed, remembering the soy and sauerkraut are salty.
Remove the bay leaf and let the stew rest off the heat for ten minutes.
Serve hot with rye bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles, if you like.

Close-up of a white bowl filled with bigos—slow-cooked pork pieces mixed with soft shredded cabbage and sauerkraut in a reddish-brown, tomato-tinted sauce—on a light countertop with a gray cloth nearby.

Substitutions

Pork shoulder -> boneless skinless chicken thighs: Use the same weight of chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into chunks. The stew will be lighter but still rich. Reduce simmering time to about one hour so the chicken stays tender.
Dry white wine -> extra beef broth plus apple cider vinegar: Replace the wine with 1/2 cup beef broth mixed with 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. You keep acidity without alcohol. The flavor leans more savory and slightly less fruity.
Beef broth -> mushroom or vegetable broth: Use mushroom broth or vegetable broth for a slightly lighter but still deep, savory base. The stew loses some beefiness yet gains earthiness, especially if you add a few sliced mushrooms.

Overhead view of bigos in an orange Dutch oven: tender chunks of browned pork mixed with soft shredded cabbage and sauerkraut in a reddish-brown, tomato-tinted broth; the lid sits nearby on a white marble surface.

Tips

Brown in batches for best flavor: Crowding the pot cools the surface and steams the pork instead of searing it, so leave space between pieces.
Cut cabbage into even shreds: Try to keep the cabbage shreds similar in width, so they cook at the same rate and stay pleasantly tender.
Let the stew rest overnight: Like many cabbage stews, bigos tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have time to mingle.
Skim excess fat if needed: If the stew seems greasy, chill it, then lift the solidified fat from the top before reheating gently.
Use a heavy pot with a tight lid: A heavy Dutch oven holds heat well and prevents scorching, while a tight lid keeps the stew moist and tender.

Nutrition Facts ^*

Energy	485	kcal
Protein	39	g
Total Fat	24	g
Carbohydrates	25	g
Dietary Fiber	10	g

^* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

Overhead view of a white bowl filled with bigos: browned pork chunks and wilted shredded cabbage and sauerkraut in a thick, orange-brown tomato broth, on a white marble surface with a gray cloth nearby.

FAQ

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?: Yes, brown the pork and cook the onions and spices on the stove first for best flavor. Transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the liquids and cabbage, and cook on low for six to eight hours.
What if my stew tastes too salty?: First, add a bit more shredded cabbage or a splash of water to dilute the broth. You can also stir in a spoonful of unsalted tomato paste or plain mashed potato to balance the seasoning.
How can I thicken the stew if it seems too brothy?: Uncover the pot and simmer a little longer so some liquid evaporates and concentrates. You can also mash some of the cabbage and pork against the side of the pot to add body.
How long will leftovers keep, and can I freeze them?: Leftover stew keeps in the refrigerator for four days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze cooled portions for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions

This slow-cooked pork and cabbage stew brings big, cozy flavor to the table with very little hands-on effort.

Try serving it with dark rye bread, pickles, and a dollop of sour cream for classic Eastern European vibes.

For a heartier feast, pair the stew with roasted potatoes or buttered noodles and a crisp, simple green salad.

Reviews

linda.xo, New York: Cozy, rich, and super flavorful, this turned out amazing! 😋 One step I wasn’t totally sure about: when adding the cabbage, should it be packed down or left heaped until it wilts before stirring? I served it with rye toast and a little sour cream on top and it was perfect. — 4 ★

Eunice: Happy it turned out amazing, Linda! 😊 When you add the cabbage, just heap it in loosely and let it start to wilt for a few minutes, then gently stir and press it down so it cooks evenly.