Why You’ll Love This Fried Cabbage With Sausage
This hearty fried cabbage with sausage has become one of my absolute favorite weeknight meals because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The combination of smoky sausage and tender cabbage creates a perfect balance that’s both satisfying and comforting.
What I love most? It’s ready in just about 20 minutes, uses simple ingredients I usually have on hand, and dirties only one pan.
The cabbage soaks up all those savory sausage drippings, transforming an ordinary vegetable into something truly crave-worthy.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and surprisingly filling. When dinner needs to be quick but still delicious, this dish never disappoints.
What Ingredients are in Fried Cabbage With Sausage?
When it comes to comfort food, this Savory Sausage & Fried Cabbage Recipe checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, with rich smoky flavors and tender vegetables that come together in perfect harmony.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something truly delicious when cooked together in a single pan.
- 12 ounces smoked sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 medium head cabbage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
While the ingredient list is straightforward, there’s room for some personalization here. You might consider using different varieties of smoked sausage—kielbasa, andouille, or even turkey sausage can work beautifully depending on your preference.
The cabbage should be fresh and firm for best results, and don’t skimp on the garlic, as it adds wonderful depth to the dish. Remember that the fat from the sausage will contribute significant flavor, so choose a quality brand that you enjoy eating on its own.
How to Make This Fried Cabbage With Sausage
This dish comes together with beautiful simplicity that belies its rich flavor. Start by slicing 12 ounces of smoked sausage into thin rounds—the thinner you slice, the more caramelized edges you’ll get, which means more flavor in every bite.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large, deep skillet over medium heat, then add those sausage rounds. Cook them, stirring frequently, until they’re nicely browned on both sides, which takes about 4 minutes. There’s something so satisfying about watching those edges crisp up and develop that gorgeous color, isn’t there?
Once your sausage has developed that beautiful browning, it’s time to build the flavor base. Add 1/2 yellow onion (chopped) and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan with the sausage. Let them cook for about 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft, absorbing all those wonderful sausage flavors in the process.
Now for the star of the show—add your medium head of cabbage (chopped into bite-sized pieces) along with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Season everything with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground pepper, which might seem like a lot, but cabbage really needs adequate seasoning to shine.
The final step requires a bit of patience and attention. Cook the cabbage, stirring constantly to make sure every piece gets coated in those savory juices and cooks evenly. Unlike some recipes where you can walk away, this one benefits from your loving attention.
After about 10 minutes, the cabbage will become tender yet still have a pleasant bite—no mushy cabbage here! The vegetables will have shrunk considerably, releasing their moisture and concentrating their flavors.
Serve immediately while everything is hot, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread on the side to soak up any remaining juices on your plate.
Fried Cabbage With Sausage Substitutions and Variations
While the basic recipe for fried cabbage with sausage is absolutely delicious on its own, you’ll find endless possibilities for customizing this versatile dish to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
I often swap in kielbasa or andouille for a spicier kick, or turkey sausage when I’m trying to be virtuous.
Red cabbage works beautifully too, giving the dish a gorgeous purple hue.
Vegetarians? Try using plant-based sausage and adding mushrooms for extra umami depth.
Sometimes I toss in bacon bits, red pepper flakes, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
Can’t do onions? Try leeks instead.
What to Serve with Fried Cabbage With Sausage
Fried cabbage with sausage stands proudly on its own as a hearty one-pan meal, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
I love serving mine with crusty sourdough bread to soak up those flavorful juices—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop.
For a complete comfort food experience, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles make perfect companions.
Need something lighter? A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides invigorating contrast to the rich, savory flavors.
And what about dessert? A slice of warm apple pie somehow feels just right.
Final Thoughts
As someone who cooks daily, I’ve come to realize that dishes like this sausage and cabbage skillet represent comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients transformed into something truly satisfying.
The magic happens when that smoky sausage meets tender cabbage, creating a harmony that feels like home on a plate.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Don’t have smoked sausage? Try kielbasa or even chorizo for a spicy twist.
In my kitchen, it’s become a reliable weeknight savior—quick, affordable, and genuinely delicious. Isn’t that what good cooking is all about?
Savory Sausage & Fried Cabbage Comfort Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned on both sides, about 4 minutes.
- Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pan with the sausage. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft.
- Add the chopped cabbage and remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the cabbage mixture, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking, for about 10 minutes or until the cabbage is tender but still has a pleasant bite.
- Serve immediately while hot.
