A hearty, one-pan meal that’s both budget-friendly and delicious, this Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Skillet has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners. Let me show you how to make this comforting dish that combines smoky sausage with tender cabbage in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Main Ingredients:
- Optional Additions:
- Pro Tips:
- Measurement notes: Choose a cabbage weighing approximately 1 kg for metric measurements
- Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version
- Allergy warning: Check sausage ingredients for potential allergens
– 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
– 1 medium head of cabbage (about 2-3 pounds), chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Red pepper flakes for heat
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Ingredients (5 mins)
– Cut sausage into even rounds for consistent cooking
– Core and chop cabbage into 1-inch pieces (they’ll shrink during cooking)
– Dice onion uniformly for even cooking
Pro tip: Don’t chop cabbage too small, or it might become mushy
2. Start the Base (5 mins)
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
– Add sliced sausage, cooking until browned (3-4 minutes)
– Remove sausage and set aside
Pro tip: Don’t move the sausage too much while browning to achieve better caramelization
3. Build the Flavors (5 mins)
– In the same skillet, add onions to the sausage drippings
– Cook until translucent (2-3 minutes)
– Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
Warning: Watch garlic closely to prevent burning
4. Add Cabbage (15 mins)
– Add chopped cabbage to the skillet
– Pour in chicken broth
– Season with paprika, salt, and pepper
– Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally
Pro tip: The cabbage should be tender but still slightly crisp
5. Finish the Dish (3 mins)
– Return sausage to the skillet
– Stir to combine and heat through
– Taste and adjust seasonings
Key Details:
🕒 Total Time: 30 mins (Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins)
🍽️ Servings: 4-6 people
🔥 Calories: ~350 per serving
⚙️ Equipment: Large skillet with lid, sharp knife, cutting board
Pro Tips & Variations:
– Use kielbasa for authentic flavor
– Add carrots or potatoes for a heartier meal
– Deglaze the pan with beer instead of broth for deeper flavor
– Try different sausage varieties like andouille for a Cajun twist
Storage Instructions:
– Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
– Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months
– Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A: Yes, but fresh-cut cabbage provides better texture and flavor.
Q: My cabbage is too tough, what went wrong?
A: You might need to cook it longer or cut it into smaller pieces. Add more broth if needed.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, substitute the sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: How do I prevent the dish from becoming too watery?
A: Don’t overcrowd the pan, and allow excess moisture to evaporate before serving.
Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 medium head of cabbage about 2-3 pounds, chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut sausage into even rounds, core and chop cabbage into 1-inch pieces, and dice onion uniformly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage, cooking until browned (3-4 minutes). Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions to the sausage drippings. Cook until translucent (2-3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped cabbage to the skillet, pour in chicken broth, and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return sausage to the skillet, stir to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings.
