There’s something magical about the sizzle of sausage hitting a hot skillet on a chilly evening. This cabbage sausage one pan skillet transforms humble ingredients into pure comfort food magic. It’s the kind of dinner that makes your whole kitchen smell like home.
Think of it as your grandma’s fried cabbage, but with smoky sausage and way less dishes to wash. Just slice, toss everything in one skillet, and let the flavors meld into something absolutely delicious. The cabbage gets tender and slightly caramelized while soaking up all those savory sausage drippings. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been making versions of this meal since my California days, when I needed something hearty but simple after long work weeks. Julia always said the best dinners come from one good pan and ingredients that love each other. I tested this recipe about twelve times to get the timing just right. You’ll love how the cabbage practically melts into silk.
PrintCabbage Sausage One-Pan Skillet Quick Easy Recipe
This easy smoked sausage cabbage skillet is a simple and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a keto low carb sausage cabbage dinner, it combines tender cabbage with flavorful sausage effortlessly. Enjoy a hearty cabbage sausage one pan skillet recipe ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 2½ tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 4 full cooked sausages sliced into circles ¼ inch thick
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 small head of cabbage shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional omit if you wan to keep this mild
Instructions
- Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook by turning frequently until lightly browned, about 1 to 2 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Pour the remaining 1½ tablespoons of oil into the skillet, add the garlic, and cook until it turns golden, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, and cook while stirring occasionally until the cabbage is nearly tender, approximately 10 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the pan and mix thoroughly with the cabbage. Cook for 3 to 5 more minutes until the sausage is heated through and the cabbage is fully tender.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed and serve.
Notes
- Instructions for shredding cabbage can be found in the text above this recipe card
- Nutrition information is based on using chicken sausage
- If you want to make this dish spicy sauté 1 medium white or yellow onion thinly sliced with your cabbage
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 308kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1492mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Skillet
This cabbage sausage one pan skillet hits all the right notes for busy weeknights. Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy dinner with your family.
The flavors remind me of those cozy Sunday suppers Julia used to make when the weather turned crisp. The cabbage gets beautifully caramelized while soaking up every bit of those smoky sausage drippings. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone, yet light enough that you won’t feel overly full.
- Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” moments
- One pan cleanup: Your future self will thank you
- Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor
Breaking Down Your Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in how these simple ingredients transform into something magical together. I love how the olive oil creates the perfect base for browning the sausage, while the garlic adds that aromatic foundation.
The cabbage is really the star here – it goes from sturdy and crisp to tender and slightly sweet as it cooks down. Those cooked sausages bring the smokiness, and the simple seasoning lets everything shine without competing flavors.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Oil | Creates browning and carries flavors | Don’t skip the two-step oil addition |
| Cooked Sausages | Adds smoky, savory depth | Slice evenly for consistent cooking |
| Cabbage | The hearty, nutritious base | Shred uniformly for even cooking |
| Garlic | Aromatic foundation | Watch carefully – burnt garlic is bitter |
How the Magic Happens Step-by-Step
The secret to this easy smoked sausage cabbage skillet is the layering of flavors. We start by browning the sausage to build that caramelized base, then build the aromatics, and finally let the cabbage slowly cook down to perfection.
I learned this technique from watching Julia work – she always said patience with the browning step makes all the difference. Don’t rush the sausage browning or the garlic sautéing. These little moments create the flavor foundation that makes this dish sing.
- Step 1-2: Brown sausage first, then build garlic aromatics in the same pan
- Step 3: Add cabbage and seasonings, let it slowly cook down (about 10 minutes)
- Step 4: Marry everything together for the final few minutes
Troubleshooting and Kitchen Wisdom
The most common hiccup I see is rushing the cabbage cooking time. If your cabbage seems tough, just give it a few more minutes with the lid on – it’ll soften beautifully. Sometimes cabbage heads vary in density, so trust your fork over the timer.
If your skillet seems dry during cooking, add a splash of water or another drizzle of olive oil. The cabbage releases moisture as it cooks, but some heads are drier than others.
- Sausage not browning? Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding
- Garlic browning too fast? Lower the heat and add the cabbage sooner
- Cabbage still tough? Cover and cook 2-3 minutes longer
Making It Your Own
This recipe is wonderfully flexible – just like Julia taught me, the best recipes adapt to what you have on hand. You can easily turn this into a spicier version by adding more crushed red pepper flakes, or keep it mild by skipping them entirely.
Different sausage varieties completely change the personality of this dish. Kielbasa makes it more Polish-inspired, while chicken sausage keeps it lighter. I’ve even made it with spicy andouille when I wanted a little Louisiana flair.
Serving and Storage Made Simple
This skillet works beautifully as both a main dish and a hearty side. I love serving it alongside crusty bread for sopping up those delicious pan juices, or over rice when I want something more filling.
| Storage Method | Timeline | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Store in airtight container |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Cool completely before freezing |
| Reheating | 2-3 minutes | Add splash of oil to skillet |
Leftovers actually taste even better the next day – all those flavors have time to meld together overnight. Just reheat gently in a skillet with a tiny drizzle of oil to bring back that lovely texture.
Expert Says
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, making your CABBAGE SAUSAGE ONE PAN SKILLET not only flavorful but also nutritious. Cooking it quickly at high heat helps retain its vital nutrients while allowing the sausages to infuse their savory richness into the dish.
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The Recipe Behind My Cabbage & Sausage One-Pan Skillet
Perfecting my Cabbage & Sausage One-Pan Skillet took many attempts, each one filled with lessons. I remember once adding too much salt and having to mask it with extra cabbagea memorable kitchen mishap! Now, it’s a comforting dish that brings my family together, infused with flavors that tell our story.
FAQs ( Cabbage & Sausage One-Pan Skillet )
How long does it take to cook cabbage and sausage?
This meal typically takes about 20-30 minutes to cook. The key is to sauté the sausage first to develop flavor, then add the cabbage until tender. Adjust the timing based on your desired tenderness for the cabbage.
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute with turkey sausage or even diced kielbasa for a different flavor. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted if using uncooked sausage types.
What side dishes go well with this recipe?
This meal pairs nicely with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. If you’re looking for something more traditional, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or rice.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to cook this dish fresh. Leftovers can be stored and reheated easily, though!
This cabbage sausage one pan skillet delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner – ready in just 30 minutes with that perfect balance of smoky sausage and tender, caramelized cabbage. You’ll love how the whole kitchen fills with those cozy aromas that remind you of Sunday suppers. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Try swapping in spicy andouille for an extra kick, or add a splash of apple cider vinegar during the last few minutes for brightness – a trick Julia taught me years ago. This keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, and honestly tastes even better reheated the next day. Serve it over rice, with crusty bread, or just enjoy it straight from the skillet.
I’d love to see how this turns out in your kitchen! Share a photo and tell me – did you grow up with fried cabbage like this? There’s something so special about these simple, soul-warming meals that bring families together. Save this recipe for those nights when you need comfort food magic without the fuss.
