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Easy Fried Cabbage and Sausage Recipe (Quick & Flavorful)

Easy Fried Cabbage and Sausage Recipe

A quick one-pan dinner made with browned smoked sausage, tender green cabbage, onion, garlic, and simple seasonings. It is flavorful, filling, and ready in about 30 to 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Fully cooked smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 medium head, about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds Medium green cabbage, cored and chopped
  • 1 medium Yellow onion, sliced or diced
  • 2 tablespoons Butter, olive oil, or a combination
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth or water
Seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon, optional Smoked paprika
Finishing Ingredient
  • 1 tablespoon, optional Apple cider vinegar

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Slice the sausage into 1/2-inch rounds, chop the cored cabbage into bite-size pieces, slice the onion, and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter or oil, then brown the sausage for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally.
  3. Transfer the sausage to a plate if the pan is crowded. Add the remaining butter or oil and cook the onion for 3 to 5 minutes, until softened.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the cabbage in batches, tossing as it wilts, then season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. Pour in the broth or water, cover, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
  6. Uncover the pan, return the sausage, and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so excess liquid evaporates and the cabbage develops browned edges.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Stir in apple cider vinegar just before serving, if desired.

Notes

Brown the sausage first for deeper flavor. Add salt cautiously because smoked sausage and broth may already be highly seasoned. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.