Sausage and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s ridiculously simple yet packed with flavor, then you’re going to love this Sausage and Cabbage Skillet Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. When I first tried it, I was surprised by how quickly it came together and how perfectly the sausage melded with the tender cabbage and savory broth. Stick around because I’m about to share everything you need to know to make this fan-freaking-tastic meal right in your own kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so effortlessly, and every single one plays its role beautifully. When hunting for sausage, I look for kielbasa for its smoky undertones, but feel free to try other smoked sausages if you prefer something milder or spicier.

• Kielbasa sausage: Provides that smoky, rich flavor and hearty protein.
• Olive oil: For browning the sausage without overpowering it.
• Butter: Adds richness, perfect for sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Yellow onion: Gives sweetness and depth when softened slowly.
• Garlic cloves: Brings a warm, aromatic kick that complements the cabbage.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory base for cooking the vegetables.
• Dijon mustard: I love this secret weapon—it’s tangy and sharp, enhancing the whole skillet.
• Brown sugar: Just a touch to balance the tang and heat.
• Hot sauce: Adds a gentle, warming heat—adjust to your taste.
• Dried parsley: For a mild herby note and color.
• Green cabbage: The star veggie—crisp but tender when cooked just right.
• Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, because every dish needs that finishing touch.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Sausage and Cabbage Skillet Recipe depending on the season or my pantry stash. It’s such a flexible recipe that invites you to make it your own.

• Use Different Sausages: Sometimes I swap kielbasa for spicy chorizo or even chicken sausage, giving it a completely new vibe.
• Add Apples: Adding diced apples brings a lovely sweetness that pairs beautifully with cabbage and sausage.
• Spicy Kick: If you like it hotter, crank up the hot sauce or toss in some red pepper flakes.
• Low Carb: Skip the carrots and increase the cabbage for a lower carb option.
• Herb Swap: Fresh thyme or rosemary freshens the dish if you don’t have dried parsley.

How to Make Sausage and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced kielbasa and sauté it until the edges turn beautifully golden—this usually takes about 4 minutes. Don’t rush this step; those caramelized edges are full of flavor. Then, remove the sausage and set it aside while we work on the veggies.

Step 2: Soften Onions and Garlic Slowly

Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add diced yellow onion, cooking it gently for about 7 minutes until soft and sweet. This longer cooking time is my secret for a deeper flavor in this recipe. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes—you want the garlic fragrant but not burnt.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Pour in chicken broth, then add Dijon mustard, brown sugar, hot sauce, and dried parsley. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the skillet—the little browned bits that stick are pure gold for flavor. It’s such a simple step but it lifts this dish to another level.

Step 4: Sauté the Cabbage and Carrots

Turn the heat up to medium-high again and add chopped green cabbage and julienned carrots to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and sauté everything together for 10 to 15 minutes. I usually taste around the 12-minute mark to check if the cabbage has softened to my liking—still tender but with a bit of bite. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Once your veggies are perfectly cooked, toss the browned kielbasa back into the skillet. Give everything a good mix and heat through for a couple more minutes. At this stage, adjust seasoning if needed and you’re ready to plate up your delicious Sausage and Cabbage Skillet!

How to Serve Sausage and Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that brightens the dish. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice right before plating can add a subtle zing too, which contrasts nicely with the smoky flavors.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairing with this Sausage and Cabbage Skillet Recipe is creamy mashed potatoes—such comfort food heaven! But I’ve also had it with steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious juices perfectly. Rustic rye or crusty bread works great if you just want to soak up every last bit from the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this dish with a nest of mashed potatoes in the center and surround it with the sausage and cabbage mixture for a beautiful presentation. Garnishing with a few pickled vegetables or a dollop of sour cream can give it an extra festive touch. It’s simple yet impressive, especially if you’re entertaining friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so you’ll often find it tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the cabbage crisp.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, I do it overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor as much as possible.

Reheating

For leftovers, reheating on the stovetop over medium heat works best to keep the cabbage from getting mushy. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry. Microwave is fine too, but I recommend short bursts and stirring in between to keep that fresh texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Cabbage Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s just so reliable and comforting. I love that I can toss everything in one pan and still end up with a meal that feels thoughtful and homemade. You’ll find it quickly becomes a family favorite, especially with those crispy-edged kielbasa slices and tender cabbage soaking up all that flavorful broth. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to skillet supper that’s as easy as it is delicious.

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