Smothered Cabbage With Sausage Skillet (Print Version)

Smoky sausage meets sweet, tender cabbage in this hearty one-pan wonder perfect for busy weeknights.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 14 ounces smoked sausage such as kielbasa or andouille, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium green cabbage, cored and sliced
03 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 large carrot, peeled and grated (optional)
06 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)

→ Fats & Oils

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Liquids

13 - 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add onion and carrot and bell pepper if using. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the sliced cabbage, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine thoroughly.
05 - Pour in chicken broth. Cover the skillet and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Uncover and return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir well and continue cooking uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze and you're not juggling five burners at once.
  • The cabbage gets so tender and slightly caramelized that even people who say they don't like cabbage end up going back for seconds.
  • It's filling, warm, and comforting without feeling heavy, and it reheats beautifully the next day.
02 -
  • Don't skip browning the sausage first, that caramelized crust is where all the deep flavor comes from and it makes a huge difference.
  • If your cabbage starts to stick or dry out, add a splash more broth or water, it should stay glossy and just barely saucy.
  • Let the cabbage cook uncovered at the end so it can caramelize, that's when it goes from good to unforgettable.
03 -
  • Use a skillet with a heavy bottom and a tight-fitting lid, it helps the cabbage steam evenly and prevents scorching.
  • Slice the cabbage into ribbons rather than chunks so it cooks faster and caramelizes more evenly.
  • If you want a little char, crank up the heat in the final few minutes and let the cabbage crisp at the edges without stirring too much.
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