Smothered Cabbage With Sausage Skillet (Printable Version)

A savory skillet combining smoky sausage with tender, sweet cabbage for a hearty, satisfying one-pan meal any night of the week.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Meats

01 - 14 oz smoked sausage (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 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

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

→ Liquids

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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way cabbage transforms from crisp and raw to silky and sweet feels like kitchen magic every single time
  • Everything cooks in one pan, meaning maximum flavor and minimum cleanup for those exhausting weeknights
  • It's the kind of humble food that somehow impresses everyone at the table despite its simplicity
02 -
  • Don't rush the initial sausage searing, those browned bits left behind are crucial for the final depth of flavor
  • Cabbage releases a surprising amount of water as it cooks, so don't panic if it looks watery at first
  • The cover step is non-negotiable, it creates the steam environment that transforms crisp cabbage into silky goodness
03 -
  • Slicing your cabbage uniformly helps it cook evenly, so take your time with the knife work
  • A splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving cuts through the richness and brightens everything
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