This Easy Cabbage Sausage Skillet is an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners! I absolutely love how simple yet incredibly satisfying this one-pan meal is. It’s the kind of recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – tender cabbage, flavorful sausage, and aromatic seasonings all coming together in perfect harmony.
What makes me swoon over this cabbage sausage recipe is how versatile it truly is. You can use any type of sausage you prefer – whether that’s Italian, smoked, or even chicken sausage – and the results are always delicious. I love serving this alongside Best Heavy Cream Alfredo Sauce or over rice for a complete meal. The caramelized edges on the cabbage provide this wonderful textural contrast, and the sausage releases all its savory juices into the pan, creating a naturally flavorful sauce that coats everything beautifully.
I’ve been making variations of this cabbage sausage skillet for years, and it never disappoints. It’s become a staple in my weeknight rotation because it’s genuinely foolproof. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this incredibly approachable. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, the technique is straightforward, and the results are restaurant-quality delicious. This is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table happy.
If you’re looking for other one-pan wonders, you might also enjoy our Delicious Heavy Cream Pasta Recipe or perhaps our Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe. But I promise, once you try this cabbage sausage skillet, it’ll become your go-to dinner solution. The combination of vegetables and protein is so satisfying, and honestly, the minimal prep time is what keeps me coming back to this recipe again and again.
What I love most about serving this at my table is seeing everyone’s faces light up. It’s humble, it’s honest, and it’s absolutely delicious. The flavors develop beautifully as everything cooks together, and the natural sweetness of the cabbage perfectly complements the savory sausage. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this cabbage sausage recipe is an absolute must-try. I’m so excited for you to experience just how wonderful this simple skillet dinner truly is!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced into rounds or casings removed
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 6 cups)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until nicely browned and cooked through. If using sausage links, slice them into rounds and brown on both sides. Transfer the cooked sausage to a clean plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and begins to soften. You want to get a little bit of color on the edges for added flavor.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can make it bitter.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet along with the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together until the cabbage is well coated with the oil and seasonings. The cabbage will seem like a lot at first, but it will cook down considerably.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the cabbage mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium and let it cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become tender and start to caramelize slightly at the edges. Most of the liquid should reduce by about half.
- Taste the skillet and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to your preference. Stir in the butter until it melts and coats everything beautifully.
- Serve the cabbage sausage skillet hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. This is wonderful on its own, over rice, with crusty bread, or alongside roasted potatoes.
Pro Tips
o For a lighter version, use turkey sausage or reduce the amount of sausage and add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
o The cabbage can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days, making this a great meal-prep option.
o If you prefer a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a richer sauce.
o This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop.
o For extra depth of flavor, add 1/4 cup of beer or white wine instead of some of the broth. Allow it to simmer for an extra minute so the alcohol cooks off.
o Red cabbage can be substituted for green cabbage, though the color will be different. The cooking time remains the same.
o If you want to make this in a Dutch oven for a more rustic presentation, the cooking method remains identical. This also works wonderfully in a slow cooker – brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
o Serve this alongside our Quick Tasty Bacon Carbonara Recipe for a complete Italian-inspired meal, or pair it with a simple Best Chickpea Salad Recipe for a fresh contrast.
o Make it meal-prep friendly by portioning into glass containers immediately after cooking. It stays fresh for lunch throughout the week.
o For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce at the end of cooking.