Cabbage & Sausage Skillet (Hearty, Cozy & One-Pan)

This Cabbage and Sausage Skillet is hearty, cozy, and packed with savory flavor — made with tender cabbage, golden potatoes, and browned sausage in one simple pan. It’s an easy, budget-friendly dinner that comes together quickly and uses familiar ingredients found worldwide. If you love comforting skillet meals, serve this with Hearty Potato Stew, Cajun Roasted Potatoes, or a slice of Best Homemade Italian Bread for a satisfying, no-fuss meal.

Why You’ll Love This

• One-pan meal with minimal cleanup

• Made with simple, affordable ingredients

• Naturally filling and deeply comforting

• Easy to customize with different sausages

• Great for weeknight dinners or leftovers

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Calories: ~480 per serving

• Protein: 18 g

• Fat: 30 g

• Carbohydrates: 32 g

• Fiber: 6 g

• Sodium: varies depending on the sausage used

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)

• 14 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced (400 g)

• 1 medium onion, sliced (about 150 g)

• 1½ lb green cabbage, chopped (700 g)

• 1 lb potatoes, diced (450 g)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5 g), adjust to taste

• ½ teaspoon black pepper (2 g)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (1 g)

• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds, optional (1 g)

• ½ cup broth or water (120 ml)

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Add potatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds if using. Stir to coat evenly.

4. Add cabbage to the skillet and pour in the broth or water. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage is soft.

5. Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook uncovered for 5 more minutes to let flavors meld and excess liquid evaporate.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use kielbasa, smoked pork sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat

• Swap potatoes for carrots or parsnips for variation

• Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness

• Serve with mustard or crusty bread on the side

Make-Ahead & Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. This dish holds up well and is excellent for meal prep.

FAQ

Can I make this without potatoes? Yes. The dish will still be hearty with just cabbage and sausage, or you can substitute carrots.

What type of cabbage works best? Green cabbage is classic, but Savoy cabbage also works well.

Is this freezer-friendly? It can be frozen, though cabbage may soften slightly when reheated.

Final Thoughts

Cabbage and sausage are one of those timeless combinations found in kitchens around the world. Simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this skillet meal proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated — just warm, familiar, and made in one pan.