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I didn’t always love cabbage. Or smoked sausage. Or a lot of things for that matter. In fact, I was fairly picky as a child in general. I wanted to like these things, especially since they’re affordable, easy to find, and very practical for weeknight meals, but I just couldn’t get past the smell for the longest time.
One year, something unexpected happened on our annual trip to the Roller Coaster Yard Sale with friends. We stopped for lunch at a little food truck, and on the menu was something called “Tabbage.” I was skeptical, but decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did! From that moment on, I’ve been hooked on all things cabbage.
After trying many different variation, I have finally found the perfect recipe for us. It’s quick, simple, flavorful, and the best part? It’s all made in one pan. Definitely perfect for those busy weeknights when you just need dinner on the table without a fuss.
My kids were a little skeptical the first time I served it, but after a few bites they were sold! This dish has definitely earned its spot in our regular rotation.
Equipment Needed:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or bacon grease
- 1 (14 oz) package of smoked or kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds (kielbasa is my favorite)
- 1/2 pound of bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How to Make It:
- Heat oil or grease in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions and green pepper and cook until they start to soften. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, this takes about 8–10 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the skillet, stir everything together, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
- Serve warm with a slice of cornbread or homemade bread on the side.
If you’re like I was and have avoided cabbage and sausage in the past, I would like to encourage you to give this one a try! You might just find a new favorite!
Have you made a dish that changed your mind about an ingredient? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Don’t forget to checkout my hack for store bought cookie dough!
Simple Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spatula or other utensil to stir
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or bacon grease
- 1 14oz package of smoked or kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- a pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Heat oil or grease in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and green pepper and cook until they soften. Toss in garlic and stir for another minute.
- Add chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized. This usually takes 10-15 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the skillet, stir everything together, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
- Serve warm with a slice of cornbread or homemade bread.