This Cabbage and Sausage Skillet is the kind of hearty, rustic meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s quick, incredibly satisfying, and packed with flavor from tender cabbage, seared smoked sausage, and aromatic spices. You get that beautiful caramelization from the skillet, which adds so much depth to a few simple ingredients.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe is all about convenience without compromising taste. It requires just one pan and a handful of pantry staples, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget or feed a hungry family fast, this skillet dinner checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

You’ll love this recipe for how ridiculously easy it is to throw together, even on your busiest days. The cabbage turns silky and sweet as it sautés, while the sausage gives it a smoky, savory punch. It’s low-carb, budget-friendly, and so versatile that you can mix in other veggies or spices without messing it up. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and reheats beautifully.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

You have a few delicious options when it comes to sausage. Smoked sausage is a go-to for this recipe because it’s already cooked and just needs to be browned. Kielbasa, Andouille, or turkey sausage work wonderfully depending on your flavor preference. If you want to keep things lighter, chicken sausage is a great alternative. Whatever you choose, aim for a sausage with bold flavor since it plays such a central role in the dish.

Ingredients for the Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

For a meal this simple, the ingredients really get their time to shine. This dish is all about balancing the smoky richness of sausage with the sweet tenderness of cabbage, all cooked down in a single skillet to soak up every drop of flavor.

Cabbage
Smoked Sausage
Yellow Onion
Garlic
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Smoked Paprika
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Cabbage is the star of this skillet, becoming tender and slightly caramelized as it cooks. Smoked sausage adds depth and meaty richness that ties the whole dish together. Yellow onion and garlic give a fragrant base, infusing the skillet with savory aroma. Olive oil helps everything sizzle perfectly, while salt and pepper bring balance. A dash of smoked paprika enhances the smoky notes, and if you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes give it that kick.

How To Make the Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Sausage

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in the sliced sausage. Cook until it’s browned and slightly crispy on both sides, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Cook the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It may seem like a lot, but it will cook down significantly. Stir to coat the cabbage in the oil and aromatics. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and golden at the edges.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the browned sausage to the skillet and toss to combine. If you like spice, now’s the time to sprinkle in those red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors mingle.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while it’s hot and steamy, straight from the skillet to your plate.

How to Serve and Store This Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

This Cabbage and Sausage Skillet is the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day. It serves around 4 people generously and works beautifully as a main dish all on its own. But if you’re looking to stretch it, serving it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even buttered noodles is a comforting way to turn this into a more filling meal.

To store leftovers, let the skillet cool to room temperature and then refrigerate in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. It freezes fairly well too, though the texture of the cabbage may soften further upon thawing.

What to Serve With Cabbage and Sausage Skillet?

H3: Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the skillet, soaking up all those delicious pan juices.

H3: Steamed White Rice

A bowl of simple white rice is a classic base to catch all that savory sausage flavor.

H3: Roasted Carrots

The natural sweetness of roasted carrots balances the smoky saltiness of the sausage.

H3: Skillet Cornbread

Golden cornbread on the side makes this dish feel like a true Southern comfort meal.

H3: Crisp Garden Salad

Add a fresh, crunchy contrast with a tossed green salad in a light vinaigrette.

H3: Garlic Bread

Warm slices of garlic bread are great for scooping up the flavorful bits left in the pan.

H3: Pickled Beets or Cucumber Salad

The acidity cuts through the richness of the sausage and balances the dish.

H3: Fried Apples

Yes, sweet fried apples! They’re an unexpected but delicious side that works especially well for fall meals.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cabbage and Sausage Skillet, you’re going to want to try these other easy, cozy meals that bring comfort to your table:

Try this one-pan wonder: Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a creamy vegetarian skillet you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
Looking for another hearty cabbage dish? The Tasty Deconstructed Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Rolls delivers all the flavors without the fuss.
Craving some creamy, cheesy comfort? This One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni has your name on it.
Warm your soul with a bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup that’s packed with richness.
And if you’re in the mood for chicken, don’t miss this Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl – bright, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add potatoes or toss in extra garlic? Maybe swapped sausage types?

I always love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Don’t be shy—ask questions or share your tweaks, it’s how we all get better in the kitchen.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feel-good meals:
Janet Dishes on Pinterest

Conclusion

There’s something timeless and comforting about a skillet meal that brings out the best in simple ingredients. This Cabbage and Sausage Skillet is no exception—it’s flavorful, affordable, and endlessly flexible. Whether you’re feeding a family or just need something easy after a long day, this recipe will earn its spot in your regular rotation.