Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew) Recipe - Authentic Flavor

Authentic Polish Beef recipe — Bigos (Polish hunter's stew). Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew) Recipe - Authentic Flavor

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 lb beef chuck (cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup smoked sausage (sliced)
  • 2 cups sauerkraut (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups cabbage (shredded)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Brown the Meat

    In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add beef chuck and sausage, browning on all sides.

    Do not overcrowd the pot to ensure even browning.
  2. Sauté Vegetables

    Add onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until softened.

    Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Add Cabbage and Sauerkraut

    Stir in the shredded cabbage and sauerkraut, mixing well.

    Make sure to combine all ingredients for even flavor.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasonings

    Pour in beef broth, add tomato paste, paprika, caraway seeds, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

    Adjust seasonings to your preference.
  5. Simmer the Stew

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 1.5 hours.

    Longer cooking time enhances flavor; you can simmer for up to 3 hours.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use a mix of meats for added flavor. Bigos tastes better the next day after flavors meld. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 4 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened.

What to Serve With

Complete your polish meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew) Recipe - Authentic Flavor is a beloved dish from Polish cuisine.

Polish cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 13 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bigos tastes even better when reheated the next day.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat18gg
Sodium800mgmg
Total Carbohydrates20gg
Dietary Fiber3gg
Total Sugars4gg
Protein25gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisinePolish
CategorySoups