One Pan Cabbage and Smoked Sausage is a tasty skillet dinner that is really easy to make, healthy, keto-friendly, and a great family meal for any busy weeknight like our cabbage soup diet recipe. The tender buttery cabbage pairs well with the delish sausage. Best of all, this dish is made in just one pan, so cleanup is a breeze!
Are you busy yet have to follow a keto diet? No worries!
This smoked sausage and cabbage will help you stay on track without you having to slave away in the kitchen. You can even prep ahead and carry it to your work for a quick lunch.
Awesome, right? Come see more...
Reasons You’ll Want to Make This Cabbage and Smoked Sausage Recipe
I know we all love quick and easy low carb dinner recipes as well as healthy one pot meals... and this one-pan Cabbage and Sausage fits the bill. Here are some of the best reasons to make this dish:
- Budget-Friendly – this recipe is low cost, so it won’t put a strain on your grocery budget.
- Pantry Staples – I like to buy the sausage when it’s on sale and keep it in the freezer so that I have it on hand. If cabbage is stored properly, it can last anywhere from three weeks to two months in the fridge. You’ll find the rest of the ingredients are also easy to keep in the refrigerator or pantry, so you’re ready to make this recipe any time. This dish is one of those easy pantry recipes!
- One Pan – As mentioned earlier, you only need one pan to make this meal-- meaning cleanup is very easy.
- Keto, Low Carb, and Gluten-Free – It can be hard to figure out what to make when someone in the family is eating low carb or needs to follow a gluten-free diet. This recipe is one that the whole family can enjoy!
- Quick and Easy -this kielbasa and cabbage is one of the best ways to whip up dinner in 30 minutes or less.
- Versatile – You can eat this smoked sausage and cabbage with Dijon mustard, on a sub roll to make a yummy sandwich on the go, on fresh bread to make an open-face sausage and cabbage sandwich, with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted carrots and parsnips, or in so many other ways.
Related International Dishes
The combination of sausage and cabbage in a dish is popular all over the world. You might think of cabbage when you think of Ireland because one often serves it on Saint Patrick’s Day, but of course, cabbage and sausage are also enjoyed in Poland, Italy, Ukraine, Romania, and all throughout Europe. Countries in Asia such as Japan and Korea also enjoy using sausage or other meats with cabbage.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this fried Cabbage and Sausage:
- Cabbage – I use purple cabbage, but you can also use green cabbage instead.
- Smoked sausage – I used kielbasa, but there are many varieties of sausage that can work well. They are listed below. Just make sure to choose one that is low carb. To make an Italian sausage and cabbage skillet, use a mild Italian sausage.
- Olive oil -- you may use any other vegetable oil you may have on hand, or ghee.
- Garlic -- you may use shallots if you wish.
- Hot sauce – Tabasco, Franks Red Hot, Sriracha, or any other hot sauce you prefer.
- Honey -- or use a sugar-free honey maple syrup if you prefer to.
- Salt and Pepper
- Broth or wine -- I used chicken broth, but you can also use vegetable broth instead.
- Parsley – Use freshly chopped parsley or other green herb of your choice.
Types of Sausage to Use
Choose the sausage you like best for flavor and nutrition. Here are some options:
- Polska Kielbasa smoked sausage – There are pork, beef, chicken, turkey, and even vegan varieties to choose from. Any of these makes a great Polish sausage and cabbage skillet.
- Andouille sausage – This smoked pork sausage originates in France and is also very common in Cajun cooking.
- Bratwurst – Use fully cooked bratwurst cut into medallions, which is common in German cuisine.
You may be surprised by the number of carbs that some sausages have. Be sure and take a look at the label before purchasing.
How to Cut Cabbage
Cutting a head of cabbage need not feel like a hard task! Follow these easy steps:
- Remove any outer leaves that are damaged.
- Use a large sharp knife to cut the cabbage in half and then cut each of the halves in half again to make a total of four quarters.
- Cut out the core from each quarter and discard it.
- Place the cabbage on the cutting board with one of the flat sides down and cut it into chunks -- similar to how you'd cut an onion.
Why This Cabbage and Sausage is a Healthy Dish
Cabbage is very good for you as it is packed with Vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and so many other essential nutrients. It is a cruciferous vegetable said to help fight cancer and it may even prevent canker sores.
Cabbage is really great for anyone trying to eat healthy because it is low in calories and carbs, and the high fiber content helps keep you feeling full, especially when paired with a high protein food like sausage.
If you are concerned about the fat and salt content of the sausage, choose a lower fat and reduced sodium option, such as a good chicken or turkey sausage.
How to Make Cabbage and Sausage
STEP 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cabbage chunks, season with salt and pepper to taste, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
STEP 2: Add broth or wine and let cook for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is almost evaporated. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. SEE PIC. 1
STEP 3: Using the same skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and brown the sausage, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring every now and then. Stir in hot sauce and honey and let cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring often. SEE PIC. 2
STEP 4: Scoot sausage over to one of the sides of the skillet and add the cabbage to the other side. Sprinkle chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top of the cabbage, if you want to.
Serve the sausage and cabbage skillet by itself or with Dijon mustard on the side.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To make this dish ahead so it’s ready to quickly heat and eat later, follow the recipe and then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot or reheat in the microwave.
Freeze this keto cabbage and sausage in a zip-top bag or another airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw then reheat as mentioned above. It is indeed one of those easy freezer meals that make your life easier!
PIN & ENJOY!
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Cabbage and Smoked Sausage
Equipment
- skillet
- stovetop
- knife
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 head of cabbage chopped (see below)
- salt and pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup chicken broth or white wine (but not for keto)
- 2 12-oz packages smoked sausage kielbasa or another smoked sausage that is low carb
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic about 4 cloves
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar-free honey or maple syrup (use regular honey if dish doesn't need to be keto)
- 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cabbage chunks, season with salt and pepper to taste, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add broth or wine and let cook for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is almost evaporated. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Using the same skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and brown the sausage, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Stir in hot sauce and honey and let cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring often.
- Scoot sausage over to one of the sides of the skillet and add the cabbage to the other side. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top of the cabbage, if you want to. Serve the sausage and cabbage skillet by itself or with Dijon mustard on the side.
Recipe Notes
- Remove any outer leaves that are damaged.
- Use a large sharp knife to cut the cabbage in half, and then cut each of the halves in half again to make a total of four quarters.
- Cut out the core from each quarter and discard it.
- Place the cabbage on the cutting board with one of the flat sides down and cut it into chunks -- similar to how you'd cut an onion.
Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
2pots2cook says
Love purple cabbage and finding new recipe makes me truly happy. It's not that often people use it to make meals and this one sounds great. Thank you Denise !
Dennis Yannakos says
It looks good and tastes good!
Denise Browning says
It tastes really good this cabbage and sausage skillet!