Some nights, you just need a meal that’s comforting, quick, and downright delicious. That’s where this Cabbage and Sausage Skillet comes in! It’s a one-pan wonder that’s packed with flavor, loaded with good-for-you cabbage, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just want something cozy for yourself, this skillet dinner is sure to hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a weeknight hero—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and hardly any dishes. What’s not to love?
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal.
- Fast and Flavorful: Ready in under 30 minutes with bold, smoky sausage and tender cabbage.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that stretch to feed the whole family.
- Versatile: Perfect for meal prep, and easy to tweak with what you have on hand.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small head of cabbage (cored and sliced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup chicken broth (or water)
Pro Tips
- If you like a little extra kick, swap the smoked sausage for spicy andouille.
- Shred the cabbage thinly for faster cooking and better texture.
- Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar—it brightens the flavor beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add the sliced cabbage, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat in the seasonings.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return the sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want it tender but still with a little bite.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet: This helps with even cooking and prevents burning.
- Make it heartier: Toss in some diced potatoes for an extra-filling meal.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it Low-Carb: Swap the smoked sausage for turkey or chicken sausage.
- Add More Veggies: Try adding bell peppers or diced tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Serve It With: This skillet meal pairs beautifully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! Kielbasa, andouille, or even Italian sausage work well in this dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head of cabbage, sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned, then remove.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet.
- Stir in cabbage, seasonings, vinegar, and broth.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return sausage to skillet, cook 5 more minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below. Let’s make mealtime fun and delicious, one skillet at a time!