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Easy Savory Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

cabbage and sausage skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan meal combining tender cabbage and smoky sausage for a comforting, flavorful dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and sliced thinly (about 6 cups)
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (kielbasa or andouille recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoky or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish
  • Optional: splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Slice the cabbage into 1/4-inch strips, slice the sausage into 1/2-inch rounds, thinly slice the onion, and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter. Warm until shimmering but not smoking (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Brown on one side without moving for 3-4 minutes, then flip and brown the other side for 3 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  4. Add sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the sliced cabbage. Sprinkle paprika, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat evenly.
  6. Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth or water, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Steam the cabbage for about 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender but still slightly crisp.
  7. Remove the lid, add the browned sausage back to the skillet, and stir to combine. Cook uncovered for another 3-4 minutes to evaporate some liquid and brown slightly.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

Do not rush browning the sausage to develop deep flavor. Keep cabbage slightly crisp to avoid mushiness. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even cabbage slices. Leftovers reheat well and flavors improve overnight. Optional splash of apple cider vinegar or smoked paprika at the end adds a nice tang and smoky finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage, sausage, skillet, one-pan meal, quick dinner, easy recipe, savory, healthy, weeknight dinner