Name: Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 24 ounces thick-cut bacon; 1 large green cabbage; 1 large onion; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon mustard seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew Recipe to make you feel right at home. This simple yet hearty dish brings together thick-cut bacon and tender cabbage in a way that’s pure Irish comfort food magic.

The image shows a deep purple pot filled with cooked cabbage and bacon. The dish has roughly three layers: a base of soft, wilted pale green and yellow cabbage leaves, a middle mix of tender white cabbage with some light green pieces, and crispy small chunks of reddish-brown bacon scattered evenly throughout. There are small black mustard seeds sprinkled on top, adding a speckled texture to the dish. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew on a chilly evening and instantly fell in love with its simplicity and comforting flavors. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug and brings a touch of tradition to your dinner table.

Minimal Ingredients: Only five simple ingredients needed for a flavorful, fuss-free stew.
Quick to Prepare: From prep to table in just 35 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, Hearty Flavor: Thick-cut bacon imparts smoky depth while cabbage adds a tender sweetness.
Versatile Side Dish: Great for Saint Patrick’s Day or as a cozy accompaniment any time of year.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this stew is straightforward, but a few tips can make your dish shine. Look for thick-cut bacon with a good fat-to-meat ratio for that rich texture, and pick a fresh, firm green cabbage to keep the leaves tender and delicious.

Flat lay of thick-cut raw bacon strips arranged loosely, a large fresh green cabbage cut in half showing crisp leaves, a whole large yellow onion peeled with natural skin texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear chicken broth, and a small white ceramic bowl containing whole mustard seeds, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Thick-Cut Bacon: Adds smoky, savory richness and a satisfying chew without crisping up too much.
Green Cabbage: Provides a mild, slightly sweet crunch that softens beautifully as it simmers.
Onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed alongside the bacon.
Chicken Broth: Brings savory moisture that ties the dish together and enhances the flavors.
Mustard Seeds: Give a gentle spicy pop that lifts the entire stew without overpowering it.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and elevate all the ingredients.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of the Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity, but that doesn't mean you can't put your own twist on it. Whether it’s adjusting the seasoning, adding a little extra crunch, or tailoring it to fit your dietary preferences, this dish welcomes personalization with open arms.

Variation: For a smoky depth, I sometimes swap half the chicken broth for a rich, hearty stout—perfect for cozy evenings.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and use vegetable broth to keep the spirit of the dish while catering to meat-free diets.
Seasonal Twist: Adding diced carrots or parsnips during the sauté step adds a subtle sweetness and more color to this classic recipe.
Spice it Up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes stirred in with the mustard seeds gives the stew a gentle, warming heat without overpowering the flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew Recipe

The image shows a spoon lifted above a deep white bowl with cooked cabbage and bacon pieces inside. On the spoon, there are layers of soft, light green cabbage leaves with a slightly glossy texture mixed with small, crispy, reddish-brown bacon bits. The cabbage looks tender and juicy, and the bacon has a slightly crunchy appearance. In the background, the dish inside the bowl has a similar mix of cabbage and bacon, with steam rising, giving a warm and fresh feel. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon Just Right

Start by heating a large stockpot over medium heat. Take your 24 ounces of thick-cut bacon and cut each strip into about 4 pieces—this helps them cook evenly and fit nicely into the pot. Toss the bacon in and stir occasionally, letting the fat render and the pieces cook through without getting fully crispy. This step usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You’ll notice just enough browning to develop those rich, smoky flavors that form the dish’s base.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies Like a Pro

While the bacon is warming up, peel your large onion and slice it into 8 equal wedges—this ensures they cook evenly but still hold their shape. Then, cut your cabbage in half, carefully remove the tough core, and slice each half into 6 wedges for a total of 12. Keeping the wedges intact lets the cabbage retain some texture after simmering.

Step 3: Soften the Onion and Build Flavor

Once your bacon looks mostly cooked through but not yet crispy, add the onion wedges to the pot. Sauté them with the bacon for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and pick up a little color. This step balances the saltiness of the bacon with a touch of sweetness from the onions, creating a beautiful harmony.

Step 4: Add Cabbage, Broth & Mustard Seeds

Now it’s time to add the 12 cabbage wedges along with 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds. Give everything a gentle stir, making sure to push the cabbage down to the bottom of the pot where it will steam beautifully, and lift the bacon pieces upward. The mustard seeds lend a subtle tangy warmth to the stew that’s unmistakably comforting.

Step 5: Simmer It Gently Until Tender

Cover your pot and let the stew gently simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes. Be sure to stir once or twice during cooking to help everything cook evenly and prevent sticking. You’ll want to test the thickest parts of the cabbage for tenderness—it should be soft but still have a slight bite, not mushy.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve Warm

Give your Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew a final taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your preference. Serve it hot, and for an extra touch, offer some whole grain mustard on the side to spread over the bacon and cabbage. It’s a simple dish that’s big on flavor and perfect for any day you want a hearty, wholesome meal.

Top Tip

These tips will help you make the most flavorful and perfectly cooked Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew Recipe every time. From choosing your bacon to handling the cabbage, a little attention to detail goes a long way!

Choose Thick-Cut Bacon: Using thick-cut bacon gives the stew a hearty texture and rich flavor that thinner slices just can’t match.
Don’t Overcook the Bacon: I’ve learned that cooking the bacon until it’s just cooked through—not crispy—keeps it tender and allows it to impart more flavor into the broth.
Position Vegetables Thoughtfully: Placing the cabbage wedges on the bottom and the bacon on top helps the cabbage soak up those delicious bacon juices while the bacon pieces stay tender near the top.
Mind the Seasoning: Because bacon can be salty, I always taste before adding extra salt, avoiding an overly salty stew.

How to Serve Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew Recipe

A silver pan filled with small pieces of cooked bacon that are crispy and reddish-brown, sizzling with some bubbling grease around them. A silver slotted spoon is resting inside the pan, lifting some bacon pieces. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, with browned bits stuck to the pan's base, adding texture and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up the dish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top before serving. A dollop of whole grain mustard on the side adds a tangy kick that complements the creamy cabbage and smoky bacon beautifully. For extra richness, a little knob of butter melted into the hot stew is a wonderful touch too.

Side Dishes

This Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew Recipe is a classic side in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty rustic bread to soak up the juices. For a fuller meal, try serving it alongside some roast root vegetables or even a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftover cabbage and bacon stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for 3 to 5 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by placing the stew in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. This method prevents the cabbage from becoming mushy, and you can stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to steam the cabbage too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bacon for this stew?

Absolutely! While thick-cut bacon is recommended for its texture and flavor, you can use regular sliced bacon if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking times as thinner slices cook faster.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika can help replicate that smoky flavor.

How do I know when the cabbage is done?

The cabbage will be tender when the thickest parts can be easily pierced with a fork, usually after simmering gently for about 20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it to avoid mushiness.

Can I add other spices or herbs to this recipe?

Yes! While mustard seeds give this dish its classic flavor, adding a bay leaf or a few peppercorns during simmering can introduce a lovely depth. Just remove them before serving.

Final Thoughts

Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stew is one of those simple yet satisfying dishes that bring warmth and tradition to your table. With just five ingredients, you get a hearty, comforting side that feels like a gentle hug. Whether you’re celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day or just craving some homey Irish flavors, this recipe is a delightful go-to. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with good food and great company!