Cabbage and Sausage Recipe – Comforting One-Pan Weeknight Meal
A single skillet turns cabbage and sausage into a satisfying, no-fuss dinner.
Cabbage and Sausage Recipe: Comfort in a Skillet
When you need a meal that promises warmth, simplicity, and big flavor, look no further than this cabbage and sausage recipe. It’s a humble, affordable dish that elevates everyday ingredients—cabbage being the unsung hero here—into something soul-satisfying and comforting, perfect for busy weeknights or St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. With smoky sausage, tender cabbage, and a few pantry staples, you can make a hearty dinner for the whole family using just one pan and less than an hour of your time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish stands out for its minimal effort, one-pan convenience, and robust flavors. It’s ideal for those nights when you want something filling and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The cabbage becomes meltingly tender, absorbing the smoky richness of the sausage and the sweetness of cooked onions. The recipe is flexible—adjust the level of smokiness, tang, or crunch to fit your family’s tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 lb. smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced ½ inch thick
- ½ yellow onion, sliced
- 8 cups chopped green cabbage (about half of a medium cabbage)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp. ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Grainy mustard and/or sour cream for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet (with a tight-fitting lid) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter, letting them melt together. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes. The sausage will release flavorful fats into the pan. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage, leaving the oil behind, and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Cabbage
Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it begins to soften and sweeten—about 5 minutes. Next, add the chopped cabbage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally, cooking until the cabbage wilts and softens—about 8 minutes more. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can add the sausage back at this point and serve immediately. Otherwise, continue to the next step for tender, flavorful cabbage.
Step 3: Simmer for Maximum Flavor
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, mixing it in with the cabbage and onions. Pour in the chicken stock, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer, undisturbed, for about 20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the cabbage to absorb the seasonings and the smoky flavors from the sausage, resulting in a soft, succulent texture.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
After 20 minutes, uncover the skillet and stir in the fresh parsley if using. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of sour cream or a smear of grainy mustard for added creaminess and tang.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right sausage: Smoked sausage like kielbasa adds the most flavor, but you can experiment with other types of sausage, such as andouille or bratwurst.
- Don’t rush the onions: Letting them cook until softened helps bring out their natural sweetness, which balances the smokiness of the sausage.
- Adjust the cabbage texture: If you prefer a crunchier cabbage, reduce the simmering time. For a melt-in-your-mouth texture, follow the full recipe.
- Customize the seasonings: Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
What others are reading
Serving Suggestions
This one-pan wonder is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving with:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls to sop up the flavorful juices.
- Roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
- A simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Corn muffins or rye bread for a comforting, rustic touch.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, here are some creative ideas:
- Vegetarian twist: Omit the sausage and add sliced mushrooms, smoked paprika, and vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
- Make it spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne when cooking the onions.
- Add potatoes: Toss in cubes of Yukon Gold or red potatoes during the simmering stage for a full one-dish meal.
- Incorporate greens: Stir in a handful of baby kale or spinach at the end for extra nutrition.
Nutrition and Dietary Information
This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet. Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~400-500 kcal | ~20g | ~10g | ~35g |
These values can vary depending on the type and amount of sausage used, as well as any additional toppings or sides. For a lower-fat version, use turkey sausage and reduce the amount of oil and butter.
Why Cabbage is the Underappreciated Superstar
Cabbage often takes a backseat to more glamorous vegetables, but it’s a nutritional powerhouse—high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It’s also budget-friendly, available year-round, and keeps well in the fridge, making it a practical choice for any household. Cooking it until tender mellows its flavor, making it a family-friendly staple that even picky eaters can enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage, bratwurst, or even spicy andouille can be used for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Replace the sausage with chopped portobello mushrooms or plant-based sausage, use olive oil instead of butter, and substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
This dish reheats well—store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What are some good side dishes?
Crusty bread, roasted potatoes, corn muffins, or a simple salad are all excellent accompaniments. The dish is also hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal.
Can I freeze cabbage and sausage?
Cabbage can become watery when thawed, so while it is possible to freeze leftovers, the texture may change. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate for a few days.
Conclusion
Cabbage and sausage is a versatile, budget-friendly meal that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, you can create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a holiday celebration, or any time you crave something hearty and delicious. The combination of smoky sausage, sweet onions, and tender cabbage is deeply comforting, and the recipe easily adapts to suit your tastes. Give it a try for your next family dinner—this dish is sure to become a new favorite!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a38759203/cabbage-and-sausage-recipe/
- https://www.smalltownwoman.com/cabbage-and-sausage/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a44270756/pierogi-and-kielbasa-sheet-pan-dinner-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g32937234/cabbage-recipes/
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