Sausage, Cabbage, and Apple Skillet

This Sausage, Cabbage and Apple Skillet is a one-pan dinner that comes together quickly. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight meal served as-is or over mashed potatoes.

Flavor: A combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors comes together to make this hearty dish taste perfectly balanced.
Skill Level: This recipe is beginner-friendly, starting with an easy sauté and finishing with a quick whisked sauce.
Swaps: Use what you have on hand. Extra chicken broth or applesauce mixed with broth or water can be used in place of apple juice.
Serving Suggestions: This simple one-pan meal is great on its own, but is especially good served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles with crusty artisan bread to soak up the sauce.
Leftovers: It reheats well for lunch, and the flavors are even better the next day.

oil , apples , apple juice , kielbasa , dijon , onion , broth , thyme , cabbage , vinegar with labels to make Sausage, Cabbage, and Apple Skillet

Best Sausage and Apple Picks

Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage: Start with pre-cooked kielbasa, which browns quickly and adds smoky depth, though turkey sausage works as well and may just need a little extra seasoning.
Yellow Onion: Slice it thin so it softens quickly and blends nicely into the cabbage.
Green Cabbage: Look for a heavy head with tight leaves and chop it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. As a time-saver, bagged coleslaw mix works well, too.
Apples: Honeycrisp or Fuji stay pleasantly firm, while Granny Smith adds more tartness. Peeling is optional. Swap apples for pears for a softer, milder sweetness.

cooking kielbasa to make Sausage, Cabbage, and Apple Skillet

adding apples to pan to make Sausage, Cabbage, and Apple Skillet

How it Comes Together

In a large skillet (or Dutch oven), brown sausage in oil, then set aside.
Cook sliced onion, cabbage, and apples until tender.
Add sauce (full recipe below) and sausage, and simmer until cabbage is soft.

close up of Sausage, Cabbage, and Apple Skillet

Slice the sausage evenly so it browns quickly, then let it get a nice color before removing, since those browned bits add flavor.
If doubling the recipe, brown the sausage in batches to keep everything crisp.
Keep cabbage pieces similar in size and add the apples once the cabbage softens, so they stay tender.
Whisk the sauce until smooth, and for extra sauce, add a splash more broth and simmer a minute longer.

Easy Storage and Reheating Tips

Cool and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight. The cabbage and apples soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor stays delicious.

Cozy Cabbage Comforts

Did you make this Sausage, Cabbage, and Apple Skillet? Leave a comment and rating below.

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

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook 4 to 5 minutes or until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add onion and cabbage to the same skillet, adding more oil if needed. Cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften.
Stir in the apples and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until just tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple juice, Dijon, vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over the cabbage mixture.
Return the sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Cook uncovered 5 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the liquid has slightly reduced.

Honeycrisp or Fuji are great apples in this dish.
Swap apples for pears for a milder sweetness.
Turkey sausage works well for a lighter option.
Serve over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.

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

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.