If you’ve ever wondered how to turn simple cabbage and sausage into a mouthwatering meal, this Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe is your answer. I absolutely love this because it s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lazy weekend lunches. It combines savory kielbasa sausage with tender, buttery cabbage that s cooked down to perfection – a real crowd-pleaser every time.
When I first tried this dish, I was surprised at how easy it was to make something so satisfying with just a handful of ingredients. You’ll find that this Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe not only tastes amazing but is also a great way to use up cabbage in your fridge. Plus, it pairs beautifully over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, turning it into a meal that truly hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples, so you probably already have everything on hand.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal clean-up and easy to cook, perfect for busy evenings.
- Comfort Food Classic: The combination of cabbage and kielbasa delivers cozy flavors every time.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite seasonings or veggies to suit your family s tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together to create a deliciously savory and tender dish. I recommend fresh cabbage and good-quality kielbasa for the best flavor, but you can experiment with what you’ve got.
- Olive Oil: A neutral oil that helps sauté without overpowering other flavors.
- Onion: Adds sweet depth and complements the sausage beautifully.
- Kielbasa Sausage: The star protein here; its smoky, spiced flavor is key.
- Cabbage: Provides that satisfying texture and mild earthiness you crave.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the cabbage just right.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
Variations
I love playing around with this Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe depending on the season or what s in my pantry – it s so versatile. Feel free to tweak it to your liking; that s half the fun of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or toss in some diced jalapeño for a little heat that livens up the dish.
- Veggie Boost: Adding bell peppers or mushrooms gives it a nice texture contrast and extra flavor.
- Swap the Sausage: If you want to keep it lighter, try turkey sausage or even smoked tofu to mix things up.
- Garlic Infusion: Adding minced garlic along with the onions gives a lovely aromatic touch that’s irresistible.
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Sausage Until Aromatic
Start by heating olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and kielbasa sausage pieces, stirring occasionally. I like to let the sausage brown nicely on all sides – this usually takes about 10 minutes. You ll see the onions soften and turn translucent, which adds a beautiful, sweet base flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Add Cabbage and Butter, Then Simmer
Next, stir in the chopped cabbage along with the butter. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Let everything cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent sticking. The cabbage will wilt down and soak up the flavors beautifully. Don t rush this step – slow cooking is what makes the cabbage tender with a lovely buttery finish.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Once the cabbage is tender, give everything a good stir and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. That’s really all you need! Serve this hearty Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for Making Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe
- Use Medium Heat: Cooking on medium to medium-high heat helps the sausage brown without burning the onions or cabbage.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter adds richness and helps the cabbage caramelize slightly, making a huge difference in flavor.
- Cut Evenly: Try to chop the cabbage and sausage into similar sizes so everything cooks evenly.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If your pan is too crowded, the cabbage steams instead of browning – cook in batches if needed.
How to Serve Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top-it adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast. Sometimes, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish up really nicely, balancing the richness.
Side Dishes
This Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe is fantastic served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles-both soak up the juices beautifully. Roasted root vegetables or a crisp side salad also pair nicely if you want more veggies on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve this dish family-style in a rustic skillet right at the table to keep it warm and inviting. Adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or crispy bacon on top can elevate it and wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I let the leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They typically stay great for 3-4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better!
Freezing
This Fried Cabbage with Sausage freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just know that cabbage might lose a bit of its crunch but will still taste delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen up any thickened juices. You can also microwave it covered for a few minutes, stirring halfway through for even heat. Avoid overheating to keep the cabbage tender and the sausage juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While kielbasa sausage gives a smoky, savory flavor, you can swap it for Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage to suit your preference. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
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How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add crushed red pepper flakes during the initial sauté or include diced jalapeños or hot sausage varieties. A dash of cayenne pepper also works great for those who love extra heat.
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Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, since cabbage and sausage are both low in carbs, this meal fits nicely into many low-carb or keto plans. Just avoid serving it with carb-heavy sides like noodles and opt for cauliflower mash instead.
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What s the best way to chop cabbage for this recipe?
Cut the cabbage into bite-sized chunks or thin strips depending on your texture preference. I find removing the core first helps the cabbage cook evenly without tough bits.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure the sausage you use is gluten-free, as some processed sausages contain fillers. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it s reliable, comforting, and brings my family together around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do-it s one of those dishes that s simple but so satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your rotation, just like it did in mine!
Print
Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fried Cabbage With Sausage recipe is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender cabbage and flavorful kielbasa sausage. Sautéed onions and butter enhance the savory profile, making it an ideal meal to serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil and cook onions and sausage: Add olive oil to a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and kielbasa sausage pieces, cooking until the onion is soft and the sausage is slightly browned on both sides, about 10 minutes.
- Add cabbage and butter: Stir in the chopped cabbage and butter. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
- Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the fried cabbage and sausage mixture over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and sausage.
- To make the dish healthier, substitute the butter with extra olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- Using smoked kielbasa adds a depth of flavor, but you can also use other smoked sausages for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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