Bigos Recipe (Polish Hunter’s Stew)
Traditional Polish Bigos recipe made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, meat, and spices. A hearty hunter’s stew perfect for winter meals. Easy step-by-step recipe.
⭐ Introduction
Bigos, also known as Polish Hunter’s Stew, is a classic Eastern European dish made with a flavorful mix of sauerkraut, cabbage, and assorted meats. It’s slow-cooked for rich, deep flavors and is one of the most beloved comfort foods in Poland. This simple homemade recipe brings authentic taste with easy, blog-friendly instructions.
⭐ Ingredients
- 2 cups sauerkraut (drained)
- 2 cups fresh cabbage (shredded)
- 300g beef or pork (cubed)
- 200g sausage (kielbasa, sliced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tomatoes or ½ cup tomato puree
- 1–2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp oil
- Optional: dried mushrooms, prunes, caraway seeds
⭐ Instructions
1. Cook the Meat
Heat oil in a pot. Add cubed meat and sauté until lightly browned.
2. Add Onion & Garlic
Stir in onions and garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add Sausage & Cabbage
Mix in the sliced sausage and shredded cabbage. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
4. Add Sauerkraut & Tomatoes
Add sauerkraut, tomato puree, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
5. Slow Cook for Flavor
Simmer for 1–2 hours on low heat until everything is tender and flavorful.
(The longer it cooks, the richer the taste.)
6. Serve Warm
Serve with bread, potatoes, or on its own as a hearty stew.
⭐ Tips for Best Bigos
- Make it a day earlier — Bigos tastes even better the next day.
- Add different meats (pork, beef, bacon) for traditional richness.
- Sauerkraut + fresh cabbage gives the perfect balance.
⭐ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with rye bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
- Pair with pickles for a true Polish touch.
⭐ FAQs
1. What is Bigos made of?
A mix of sauerkraut, cabbage, assorted meats, and spices.
2. Can I make Bigos ahead?
Yes! It tastes better the next day as flavors deepen.
3. Can I freeze Bigos?
Absolutely — Bigos freezes well for up to 3 months.
4. Do I need sausage?
Traditional Bigos uses sausage, but you can replace it with any cooked meat.
5. Is Bigos spicy?
Usually no — it’s savory, tangy, and rich.
⭐ Similar Recipes
- Polish Potato Pancakes
- Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet
- Hungarian Goulash
- Sauerkraut Soup
- Beef and Cabbage Stew

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