Smothered Cabbage With Sausage Skillet (Print Version)

Smoky sausage and tender cabbage come together in this easy, hearty one-pan skillet meal for weeknight dinners.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 14 oz smoked sausage such as kielbasa or andouille, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium green cabbage about 1.75 lbs, cored and sliced
03 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 large carrot, peeled and grated (optional)
06 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)

→ Fats & Oils

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Liquids

13 - 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add onion along with carrot and bell pepper if using. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the sliced cabbage, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine thoroughly.
05 - Pour in chicken broth. Cover the skillet and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Uncover and return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir well and continue cooking uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • One-Pan Ease: Prep and cook everything in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.
  • Nutritious & Flavorful: A naturally low-carb and gluten-free meal packed with smoky paprika and savory sausage.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses humble, accessible ingredients to create a rich and filling dinner.
02 -
  • Don't Rush the Browning: Getting a good sear on the sausage slices is key to the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Caramelization: The final 10-15 minutes of uncovered cooking are essential for developing the sweet, caramelized edges on the cabbage.
  • Uniform Slicing: Slicing the cabbage into even strips ensures that everything softens at the same rate.
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