Easy Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

Tender sautéed cabbage and sausage together create a remarkably easy meal in under 30 minutes! Plus it’s low carb!

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2020 and has been republished with all new photos.

Cabbage has always been one of my favorite vegetables. When I was growing up my parents would steam it and then give it a heavy dose of salt. (that’s really all it needs). I love to roast it because I’m a big fan of all the crispy bits roasting gives it. Anyone else? If that’s your thing try my Roasted Red Cabbage. My other favorite method is sautéing it like in my Simple Sautéed Cabbage.

This easy sausage and cabbage recipe is a meal on it’s own with a short list of simple ingredients. The perfectly tender cabbage pairs beautifully with slices of your favorite sausage. Garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes are all you need to give this delicious recipe the best flavor. That’s all you’ll need! You’ll love this when you’re short on time and need easy dinner ideas.

Craving more one pan dinners? Try my 20-Minute Sausage and Zucchini Skillet, Easy Ground Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry, or Sheet Pan Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry. I also recommend my Spicy Sausage and Cabbage Soup.

Ingredients for Easy Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

• Olive or avocado oil: The oil helps make the cabbage tender. I recommend extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil but you can use any oil you’re comfortable cooking with.
• Fully cooked sausage: I love chicken sausage in this entree but go with whatever you prefer. Chicken, beef, pork, or turkey sausage are all delicious in here. Kielbasa sausage, italian sausage, or polish sausage or great options. You can choose use whatever you prefer and is available at your grocery store.
• Cabbage: We’re using one small head of cabbage here. Both red cabbage or green cabbage will work great. Choose whichever you prefer. It will look like a lot but it will cook down quite a bit.
• Garlic: You can mince your own fresh garlic cloves or use a jarred variety.
• Seasonings: Salt and black pepper are all you need to add more flavor to this easy recipe.

How to Make Easy Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

To make this easy one-pot meal you’ll brown the slices of sausage on medium-high heat and then set it aside. You could skip this since the sausage is fully cooked and simply heat it with the cabbage at the end. However, I really enjoy getting that beautiful coloring on the sausage and you’ll have a hard time achieving that without cooking it for a few minutes on it’s own. I really think it’s worth the extra time.

Once the sausage is done and removed from the pan, sauté the garlic for a quick minute until golden.

Add the shredded raw cabbage, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (optional). When you first add the cabbage it will completely fill the pan and you may wonder how it will all fit. Don’t worry, it will! Just stir it occasionally as it cooks. It wilts and becomes perfectly tender.

Once the cabbage is tender, stir in the sausage and heat until warmed.

Done! Now that’s a simple recipe, right?

How to Shred Cabbage

1. Remove any tattered outer leaves.
2. Cut the cabbage in half or in quarters.
3. Carefully cut out the core and discard.
4. Place the cabbage (halved or quartered) so flat side is touching the cutting board. Slice into thin shreds that are about about 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide.

How to Store Leftovers

Want to enjoy this tasty meal the next day or later in the week? This meal is great for meal prep! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a large skillet on the stovetop on low to medium-low heat until warmed through.

How to Serve Easy Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

This cabbage stir fry recipe can be enjoyed as is if you’re wanting a delicious low-carb meal. It doesn’t require a side dish but sometimes I do enjoy serving with white rice or brown rice. Top with green onions for an extra crunch!

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