This cabbage and sausage skillet is the perfect quick and easy meal. The flavors of one-pan fried cabbage and sausage pair perfectly together and it takes almost no time to make – dinner can be on the table in only 30 minutes!
Cabbage And Sausage
This cabbage and sausage recipe is a simple dish that’s so quick and easy to prepare. It’s packed full of delicious flavor, and I’m sure everyone will be asking for seconds.
Fried cabbage and sausage is flavored with sauteed onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Plus, it gets tons of flavor from the smoked kielbasa sausage. The only other seasonings you need are some seasoning salt, pepper, and a bit of apple cider vinegar for some acidity to balance out the richness of the sausage. That’s it! That’s all you need to make a completely delicious and well-rounded stir fry.
Pairing the cooked cabbage with the browned and crispy kielbasa really is a flavor match made in heaven. They pair so well together, from the texture to the flavor, and it makes a great, quick meal that’s packed with protein and vegetables.
This simple dish is perfect for St. Patrick’s day dinner, and it’s one your whole family will love. If you’re looking for more St. Patrick’s day recipes while you’re here, be sure to check out our corned beef seasoning, this easy soda bread, and this colcannon recipe.
Ingredients
Olive Oil: This is the fat we’re using to saute everything. You could use another neutral tasting oil if you prefer, or even butter. I also like using a combination of half butter and half olive oil.
Kielbasa: This is a polish sausage that’s typically sold smoked and already cooked through. It has a delicious smoky and savory flavor. It also pairs really well with cabbage, which makes it perfect for this dish.
Onion: Onion adds a rich savory flavor with just a bit of sweetness that tastes great with sausage. It helps form the base flavor profile of this dish.
Carrot: Carrots add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the cabbage and sausage. It also adds a beautiful pop of color and a bit of crunch, which adds a nice texture.
Garlic: Garlic pairs with the onion to form the base flavor profile. It’s aromatic and adds an important savory flavor.
Cabbage: Cabbage is an affordable and hearty vegetable that makes a great healthy base for this meal. It has a flavor that’s somewhere in between peppery and sweet. When you’re shopping for cabbage, it’s best to look for a head of cabbage with tight leaves and that feels heavy for its size.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The tangy flavor of the apple cider vinegar helps balance out the rich, savory flavor of the kielbasa.
Seasoning Salt: The salt in seasoning salt enhances the other flavors in this dish. The other ingredients in seasoning salt season this dish perfectly without having to add several different spices.
Pepper: Pepper adds a bite of spice that helps balance out the richness of the kielbasa.
How To Make Fried Cabbage And Sausage
Heat the skillet: Start by heating a large nonstick skillet. Once hot, add oil to coat the bottom of the pan. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)
Cook the kielbasa: Add the sliced kielbasa pieces to the pan and let them brown. Flip them over to brown the other side, then transfer the cooked kielbasa to a clean dish.
Cook the vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they’re almost translucent. Next, add the peeled carrots and garlic, cooking until the carrots soften and the garlic is aromatic.
Add the cabbage: Once the carrots have softened, add the cabbage to the pan. Toss everything together with tongs to coat the cabbage in oil.
Add the seasonings: Add the apple cider vinegar, seasoning salt, and pepper, mixing everything together to evenly coat the cabbage. Continue to cook the cabbage until it softens and wilts, tossing occasionally to ensure even cooking and to mix the carrot slices with the cabbage.
Combine and serve: Finally, add the cooked kielbasa back to the cabbage and mix together. Stir to combine and cook for a few more minutes, or until the kielbasa is heated through. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, cooking times, and helpful tips, etc.
Pro Tips
- Slice the cabbage evenly: Slicing the cabbage into roughly evenly sized pieces ensures that they’ll cook in approximately the same amount of time. That way you won’t end up with some pieces that are overcooked, and some that undercooked.
- Don’t rush the browning: The kielbasa needs to brown on both sides to have the best taste and texture possible. It can be tempting to stop sauteing it too early, but it pays to be patient and let it finish browning.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: Cabbage can go from delicious and crisp to mushy when it’s overcooked, so keep an eye on it and stop cooking it when it reaches your desired doneness.
Should I Peel Kielbasa Before Cooking?
You can if you’d like, but there’s really no need to and most people don’t remove it. I find that it’s not only easier to leave it on, but it helps lock in the juices and helps the sausage hold its shape.
Do You Fry Or Boil Kielbasa?
It depends on how you plan to use it. I prefer sauteed kielbasa because the browned edges are absolutely delicious. Boiled kielbasa works well in soups though, so it’s really up to your preference and how you plan to serve it.
How Do You Know When Kielbasa Is Fully Cooked?
The majority of kielbasa that’s sold is already cooked. However, if you purchase fresh kielbasa that is uncooked, you need to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
What Is A Good Side Dish For Kielbasa And Cabbage?
I love serving this cabbage and sausage skillet with simple, comforting side dishes. My favorites are a Microwave Baked Potato, some Mashed Potatoes without Milk, these Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes, or these Roasted Baby Potatoes.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. You can reheat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until steaming. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth.
Keep In Touch
I’d love to hear what you thought of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime
Dinner Recipes
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all of our other dinner recipes. Some reader favorites are:
- Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Instant Pot Pork Loin
- Pork Ribeye Roast
- Pork Steaks
- Broiled Pork Chops
- Pork Chop Pasta
BEST Cabbage and Sausage (Skillet Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 pound smoked kielbasa sliced into 1/4 inch rounds, then into half moons
- 1 medium onion sliced into thin strips (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium carrot peeled, then cut into thin ribbons using a peeler
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (2 pound) cabbage head core removed, and cut into roughly 1-inch chunks
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1/2 Tablespoon of the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the sliced kielbasa pieces to the pan and brown. Once the first side has browned, flip and brown the other side (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer the kielbasa from the pan to a clean dish.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the sliced onions and cook until almost translucent (about 4 minutes). Add the peeled carrots and garlic and cook until the carrots are softened and the garlic is aromatic (about 2 minutes).
- Once the carrots have softened, add in the cabbage and use tongs to toss everything together, making sure the cabbage is coated in the oil. Add in the apple cider vinegar, seasoning salt, and pepper. Mix together to evenly coat the cabbage. Cook the cabbage until it softens and wilts, using tongs to toss it occasionally to ensure even cooking and mix the carrot slices throughout the cabbage (about 15-20 minutes).
- Once the cabbage has softened, add the cooked kielbasa back to the cabbage and mix together. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes, or until the kielbasa is heated through. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
I hope you love this cabbage and sausage as much as I do! It really is the perfect 30-minute meal.
1 thought on “Cabbage And Sausage Recipe”
I have been making this dish ever since I married (in 1971), as it was a favorite of my husband’s from his childhood. The only thing I do differently, is to add a squirt of ketchup near the end of cooking., The ketchup gives it nice color and a little spicy tang. We love it that way. Try it, you’ll like it!