You know those nights when you need something hearty, delicious, and on the table fast? That’s exactly why this cabbage and sausage recipe has become my go-to weeknight hero. As a busy mom juggling kids, work, and life, I love meals that are simple but don’t skimp on flavor. And trust me, this one delivers—it’s got that perfect balance of smoky sausage and tender, slightly sweet cabbage that makes everyone at my table happy. The best part? It all comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes flat. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just craving some comfort food, this dish never lets me down.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage And Sausage Recipe
This isn’t just another weeknight dinner—it’s the kind of meal that’ll make you feel like a kitchen hero without breaking a sweat. Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:
- Crazy quick: From chopping to serving, it’s done in 30 minutes. Perfect for those “what’s-for-dinner?!” panic moments.
- One-pan wonder: Less dishes? Yes please! Everything cooks in the same skillet—even the sausage gets browned right in there.
- Flavor bomb: That smoky kielbasa pairs so perfectly with the sweet, tender cabbage. A splash of vinegar at the end? Chef’s kiss!
- Sneaky healthy: Packed with cabbage (hello, vitamins!), and you can make it lighter by using turkey sausage if you want.
- Kid-approved: My picky eaters actually ask for seconds. The sausage makes it fun, and the cabbage gets all caramelized and irresistible.
Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be making it on repeat like we do!
Ingredients For Cabbage And Sausage Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple, flavorful dish—measurements matter here, so you get that perfect balance of smoky and sweet every time:
- 1 lb kielbasa smoked sausage (halved lengthwise and sliced into ½-inch pieces—the smokier the better!)
- 1½ tbsps olive oil, divided (we’ll use it in two stages)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup—I like yellow for sweetness)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best—no jarred stuff here!)
- 1 medium head cabbage (2 lbs, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces—big enough to stay crisp-tender)
- ¾ tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste at the end—start light!)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (freshly cracked makes a difference)
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar (that tiny splash wakes up all the flavors)
See? Simple stuff—probably already in your kitchen or easy to grab last-minute!
Equipment Needed
Grab these trusty tools—you probably already have them! All you need is:
- A large deep skillet or Dutch oven (with a lid! The cabbage needs that steam)
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula (for all that happy stirring)
- Sharp knife & cutting board (for prepping the sausage and veggies)
That’s it—no fancy gadgets required. Now let’s get cooking!
How To Make Cabbage And Sausage Recipe
Okay, let’s get cooking! I’ve made this so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turns out perfect. The secret? Don’t rush the browning—that’s where all that delicious flavor comes from!
- Prep the sausage: First, halve that kielbasa lengthwise (makes each bite more manageable) and slice into ½-inch half-moons. I like to make the pieces hearty—nobody wants wimpy sausage bits!
- Brown like a boss: Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ½ tbsp oil and those sausage slices. Now here’s the key—let them sit undisturbed for about 3 minutes until beautifully browned on one side before flipping. You want that caramelized crispness! Transfer to a plate once done.
- Onion magic: Same pan (keep those tasty browned bits!), reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining oil and chopped onion. Cook 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent—stir occasionally so they don’t burn. When they smell sweet and look golden, you’re golden.
- Garlic alert: Toss in minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds—until fragrant. Any longer and it’ll bitter. Learned that the hard way!
- Cabbage time: Add chopped cabbage, salt, and pepper. Toss everything like you mean it! Cover the pan—this helps the cabbage wilt faster. Steam is your friend here.
- Patience pays off: Cook covered for 12 minutes, stirring every 4-5 minutes. You’ll watch the cabbage transform from crunchy to tender-crisp. If it sticks, add a splash of water.
- Finish strong: Stir in vinegar (that tiny splash makes flavors pop!) and return sausage to the pan. Cover for 3 more minutes—just enough to heat everything through. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
See? Easy as pie (but way tastier). The whole house will smell amazing—my kids come running when they catch a whiff of this cooking!
Tips For The Best Cabbage And Sausage Recipe
After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tricks for cabbage and sausage perfection:
- Smoked sausage is non-negotiable – that deep, smoky flavor makes the dish. Kielbasa or Andouille work best. (Trust me, I tried Italian sausage once—just wasn’t the same!)
- Season in layers – add half the salt while cooking, then taste at the end. Cabbage can handle more than you’d think!
- Keep that cabbage crisp-tender – overcooked cabbage turns mushy and sulfurous. Stop when it’s just wilted but still has some bite.
- Deglaze if needed – if brown bits stick when cooking onions, splash in 1 tbsp water or broth to lift all that flavor back into the dish.
Follow these, and you’ll get rave reviews every time—my family practically licks the pan clean!
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30-Minute Cabbage And Sausage Recipe – Easy & Delicious
A simple and hearty cabbage and sausage recipe that’s perfect for a quick family dinner.
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa smoked sausage
- 1 1/2 tbsps olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium head cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 2 lbs)
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Halve the kielbasa lengthwise and slice it into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Heat a large deep skillet or dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon oil and the kielbasa. Toss to coat and cook until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the kielbasa to a plate.
- Return the pan to the stove and reduce the heat to medium low.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens.
- Add the garlic, cabbage, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.
- Cover and cook, stirring every 4-5 minutes until the cabbage wilts, about 12 minutes.
- Stir in the vinegar and return the kielbasa to the pot.
- Stir and cover for about 3 more minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the kielbasa is hot.
- Taste and add salt if needed. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use smoked sausage for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot as a main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Variations For Cabbage And Sausage Recipe
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some tasty twists I’ve tried when I’m feeling adventurous:
- Switch up the sausage: Try spicy Andouille or chicken apple sausage for fun flavor changes. (Just avoid raw sausage—it’ll make the dish greasy.)
- Spice it right: A pinch of caraway seeds or smoked paprika takes the flavor up a notch.
- Add veggies: Toss in sliced carrots or red bell peppers when cooking the onions for extra color and crunch.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer, German-style dish.
The basic recipe is perfect as-is, but don’t be afraid to play around—that’s how kitchen magic happens! If you enjoy sausage and vegetable combinations, you might also love our butternut squash gnocchi with sausage.
Serving Suggestions
This cabbage and sausage recipe is fantastic all on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full meal (or stretch it for a crowd), here’s how we love to serve it:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices—I grab a baguette every time!
- Creamy mashed potatoes: The ultimate comfort food pairing. That cabbage makes the best gravy-like sauce.
- Simple green salad: A fresh, tangy side balances the richness beautifully.
Sometimes I even pile leftovers on toast for breakfast—don’t judge till you try it!
Storage And Reheating Instructions
This cabbage and sausage recipe makes fantastic leftovers—the flavors actually get better overnight! Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The cabbage holds up surprisingly well!
- Reheating: WarmIRA on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of water (my preferred method) or microwave in 30-second bursts. Avoid overheating—you want to keep that perfect cabbage texture.
Pro tip: The sausage bits crisp up beautifully if you give them a quick sear in a hot pan before serving leftovers.
Cabbage And Sausage Recipe FAQs
I get asked about this recipe all the time—here are the questions that pop up most often (and my tried-and-true answers!):
- “Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked?” You can, but I don’t recommend it—fresh sausage releases too much grease and lacks that deep smoky flavor that makes this dish special. If you must, brown it separately first and drain the fat.
- “How can I make this lower in sodium?” Easy! Use low-sodium kielbasa (many brands offer it) and cut the added salt in half. The cabbage and vinegar provide plenty of flavor on their own.
- “Will leftovers freeze well?” Honestly? The cabbage gets watery when thawed. I prefer fridge storage for 3-4 days—it reheats beautifully! If you must freeze, expect softer texture.
- “Can I add potatoes to make it heartier?” Absolutely! Dice them small and add with the onions—just give them a 5-minute head start before adding cabbage.
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m happy to help troubleshoot your cabbage and sausage adventures! You can also connect with us on Facebook for more quick tips.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note—these nutrition estimates are based on standard ingredients, but your exact numbers may vary depending on brands and tweaks you make. That said, here’s the general breakdown per serving (and yes, I totally count this as a healthy-ish meal!):
- Calories: Around 350
- Protein: 15g (thanks, sausage!)
- Fiber: 5g (all that cabbage goodness)
Not bad for such a satisfying dish, right? Always check your specific ingredients if you’re tracking closely. If you are looking for other hearty, quick meals, check out our fajita chicken cottage cheese bake recipe.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—my family’s favorite quick, hearty meal that never fails to satisfy. I hope you love this cabbage and sausage recipe as much as we do! Give it a try this week and let me know how it turns out. Nothing makes me happier than hearing your kitchen success stories! For more easy dinner ideas, browse our full collection of recipes.
