Cabbage and Sausage Recipe

This cabbage and sausage recipe is a one-pan dinner that is simple, satisfying, and perfect for any weeknight. Smoked sausage is fried with chopped cabbage and shredded carrots in a savory broth for a warm, comforting meal.

Flavor: Smoky sausage and caramelized cabbage are a cozy flavor duo.
Skill Level: This one-pot dinner has easy prep to make new cooks feel like pros.
Budget Tip: This recipe is made with budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have. To stretch it even further, toss in any leftover veggies you have in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions: This crowd pleaser can be kept warm in a slow cooker so guests can help themselves. Pair with a side of Irish soda bread, and dinner is served.

ingredients to make cabbage and sausage labeled: salt and pepper, smoked paprika, onion, chicken broth, cabbage, smoked sausage, carrots, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and butter

Key Ingredients and Easy Variations

Cabbage: Green cabbage works well in this recipe. Choose heavy heads and remove any discolored or limp leaves. For a softer texture, opt for savoy or napa cabbage.
Sausage: Pre-cooked smoked sausage, Polish kielbasa, or summer sausage are big time-savers for this recipe. Cook just long enough to brown the edges.
Seasonings: Pantry basics are all you need for this recipe, but you can spice it up with a dash of red pepper flakes.
Variations: Bulk up the recipe even further by mixing in some cooked egg noodles. Try rotisserie chicken or shrimp in place of the sauce. Or if time is tight, toss in a bag of frozen meatballs in Step 1 (no need to thaw).

smoked sausage being browned in a skillet

How to Make Cabbage and Sausage

Brown sausage in butter, set aside.
Cook the onion and garlic until softened.
Add remaining ingredients (full recipe below). Cover and cook until the cabbage is softened.
Add sausage back to the pan and cook until the cabbage is tender.

a close up of a cabbage and sausage prepared in a bowl

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover sausage and cabbage in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat portions in the microwave. Or freeze leftovers in zippered bags for up to 3 months.

Classic Cabbage Favorites

Did you make this cabbage and sausage recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

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Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage is a hearty, one-pan meal with tender veggies and savory flavor.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 28 minutes

Total Time 48 minutes

In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, 4–5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and in the same skillet, add the onion. Cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add the chopped cabbage, broth, carrot (if using), vinegar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften, about 15 minutes.
Uncover, add the sausage to the skillet, and toss to combine. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated and the cabbage is tender.
Season to taste and serve.

A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a little kick.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course

Cuisine American, Polish

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