Description
A hearty and flavorful Smothered Cabbage with Sausage Skillet recipe featuring smoked sausage, tender cabbage, and aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection in a single pan. This easy one-skillet meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner packed with smoky and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage
- 14 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
Vegetables
- 1 medium green cabbage (approximately 1.75 lbs), cored and sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, grated carrot, and sliced red bell pepper if using. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine cabbage and seasonings: Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet along with smoked paprika, dried thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer covered: Pour in the chicken broth or water, then cover the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to promote even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Finish cooking: Uncover the skillet and return the browned sausage to the pan. Stir well and continue cooking uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the cabbage to become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Transfer to serving plates and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage varieties such as kielbasa or andouille based on your preference.
- Optional vegetables like carrot and red bell pepper add extra color and sweetness but can be omitted if desired.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over salt levels.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes depending on your preferred spice level.
- This recipe works well as a quick, stovetop comfort food pairing excellently with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
