Save A rustic one-pan dish featuring smoky sausage tender cabbage and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
I first made this sausage and cabbage skillet on a chilly weeknight looking for something filling and quick without a lot of cleanup. The balance of smoky sausage and tender cabbage makes it a regular in our meal rotation.
Ingredients
- Sausage: 400 g (14 oz) smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or bratwurst) sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Cabbage: 1 medium head green cabbage (about 800 g / 1.75 lbs) cored and thinly sliced
- Onion: 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic minced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Chicken broth or water: 1/4 cup
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook for 4–5 minutes stirring occasionally until browned. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet add onion and carrots. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until starting to soften.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cabbage and seasonings:
- Add sliced cabbage salt black pepper and smoked paprika (if using). Cook stirring often for 5 minutes until cabbage begins to wilt.
- Simmer:
- Pour in chicken broth or water. Cover skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes stirring occasionally until cabbage is tender.
- Return sausage:
- Return browned sausage to skillet and toss everything together. Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes allowing flavors to combine.
- Finish and garnish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Save Sharing this meal together around the table always brings back memories of home and makes for warm conversation.
Recipe Variations
Mix in red cabbage for extra color or swap in turkey sausage for less fat. You can add caraway seeds for authentic German flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or can be served over mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
Nutrition Information
Per serving: Calories 340 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 16 g Protein 14 g
Save Give this simple skillet a try for a quick cozy dinner. Leftovers are great the next day as flavors deepen.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use any type of sausage for this meal?
Yes, smoked sausage types like kielbasa, bratwurst, or chicken sausage all work well in this dish. Choose gluten-free if needed.
- → What is the best way to slice the cabbage?
Core the cabbage, then thinly slice it using a chef’s knife for quick, even cooking in the skillet.
- → How can I add extra flavor to this dish?
Try a mix of green and red cabbage, or include caraway seeds for traditional German flavor. Adjust spices to your taste.
- → What can I serve with this skillet meal?
Crusty bread or mashed potatoes complement this dish well, making it even more comforting and filling.
- → Is this meal gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free sausage, the entire meal remains gluten-free. Always check labels for allergens.
- → How do I lighten up this dish?
Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for lower fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. Add extra vegetables if desired.