Cabbage and Sausage Recipe: A Hearty One-Skillet Dish
This Cabbage and Sausage recipe offers an easy, flavorful meal that takes only 30 minutes to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a savory dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Whether served with mashed potatoes or rice, this hearty meal is sure to satisfy your cravings. If you love quick, delicious meals, this cabbage and sausage recipe should definitely be part of your rotation.

Why You’ll Love Cabbage and Sausage
This recipe combines smoky sausage with tender cabbage and carrots, creating a flavorful dish that you can prepare in one skillet.
It’s incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with various sides like mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables. If you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal bursting with flavor, cabbage and sausage is the ideal choice.

How to Prepare Cabbage and Sausage
This is a quick overview of the cooking process. You can find detailed measurements and instructions in the recipe card below.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 14 oz. kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 5 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until golden brown on the edges, about 4 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add diced onions and cook for about 7 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a rich flavor. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Create the Flavor Base: Pour in the chicken broth, mustard, brown sugar, hot sauce, and parsley. Stir the mixture, ensuring the ingredients are well combined. The hot sauce adds a subtle kick, balancing the sweetness from the brown sugar.
- Add the Vegetables: Increase the heat slightly and add the chopped cabbage and julienned carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Stir the vegetables occasionally as they sauté, cooking them for 10-15 minutes, depending on how tender you prefer them.
- Combine and Serve: Return the kielbasa sausage to the skillet and mix it with the vegetables. Cook for a few minutes until everything is heated through. Serve your cabbage and sausage with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.

Pro Tips for Success
- Sausage Selection: While kielbasa is the recommended sausage for this recipe, you can use any variety of smoked sausage. Other options include bratwurst or andouille for a spicier kick.
- Adding Flavor: A splash of hot sauce enhances the overall flavor of the dish without making it spicy. You can adjust the mustard and sugar quantities based on your taste preferences.
- Side Dishes: Serve this dish with mashed potatoes or steamed rice. Other great options include roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Storing Leftovers Leftovers of this cabbage and sausage skillet can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet: A large, deep skillet is ideal for this recipe. High-walled skillets help contain all the vegetables and sausage, ensuring even cooking.
- Chef’s Knife: Use a sharp knife for slicing the sausage, cabbage, and carrots.
- Cutting Board: A large, sturdy cutting board will help keep your workspace organized as you prep the ingredients.
FAQ
What type of sausage works best for cabbage and sausage?
Kielbasa is a great choice because of its smoky flavor, but you can also use other smoked sausages like bratwurst or andouille.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage option or smoked tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a spicy kick, you can use spicy sausage varieties like andouille or add more hot sauce. You can also toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet or microwave. For long-term storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Absolutely! Red cabbage will work just as well, though it may slightly alter the flavor and color of the dish. Both varieties provide a similar texture.

Try These Next:
- Egg Roll in a Bowl: A flavorful dish combining cabbage, carrots, and ground pork for a quick, low-carb meal.
- Chicken Taco Soup: This hearty soup is packed with chicken, black beans, corn, and taco seasonings for a flavorful one-pot dinner.
- Beef Lo Mein: A delicious stir-fry with tender beef, noodles, and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce.
Reference Links:
- Cabbage and Sausage Recipe by The Cozy Cook
- Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
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