Whole30 Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew)

Warm, hearty, and packed with rustic charm, Whole30 Bigos—or Polish Hunter’s Stew—is a rich, flavor-packed dish perfect for comfort food lovers following a Whole30 lifestyle. This slow-simmered stew combines tender chunks of beef chuck roast, pork shoulder, and crispy uncured bacon with tangy sauerkraut, shredded green cabbage, and Whole30-compliant crushed tomatoes. The addition of dried mushrooms, juniper berries, caraway seeds, and smoked paprika infuses the dish with an earthy, aromatic depth that pays homage to its traditional Polish roots. Cooked low and slow for maximum flavor, this one-pot masterpiece is a satisfying paleo-friendly meal that’s ideal for meal prep or family dinners. Serve warm and enjoy a taste of Old-World tradition with none of the guilt!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef chuck roast
• 1 pound boneless pork shoulder
• 8 slices Whole30 compliant uncured bacon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large, diced yellow onion
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 medium, shredded green cabbage
• 1 quart sauerkraut
• 15 ounces (Whole30 compliant) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup dried mushrooms
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon juniper berries
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Cut the beef chuck roast and pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and crumble it, setting aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add olive oil and increase heat to medium-high. Add beef and pork in batches, searing the pieces until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, add diced onions. Sauté until translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 6

Stir in the shredded cabbage, mixing it well with the onions and garlic.

Step 7

Add the sauerkraut and stir to combine.

Step 8

Return the beef, pork, and crumbled bacon to the pot.

Step 9

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and mix thoroughly.

Step 10

Add dried mushrooms, bay leaves, juniper berries, caraway seeds, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well.

Step 11

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The stew should be thick and hearty.

Step 12

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3474.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4678.5

Total Fat 300.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 105.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.6g
Cholesterol 867.9mg	0%
Sodium 13095.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 297.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 101.9g	0%
Total Sugars 57.0g
Protein 256.9g	0%

Vitamin D 44.8IU	0%
Calcium 771.5mg	0%
Iron 45.0mg	0%
Potassium 10824.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.9%

Protein: 20.9%

Carbs: 24.2%