Recipes With Cabbage And Smoked Sausage For Easy Meals

Updated On: October 15, 2025

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, recipes with cabbage and smoked sausage are an absolute winner. These two ingredients come together beautifully, blending the mild sweetness and crunch of cabbage with the smoky, savory depth of sausage.

Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a satisfying meal, this combo can be whipped up in under an hour and can easily feed a family or provide delicious leftovers.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, cabbage and smoked sausage recipes offer versatility and ease. You can toss them into a skillet for a quick stir-fry, simmer them in a stew or soup, or even bake them in a casserole.

Plus, cabbage is one of the most affordable and nutrient-packed vegetables you can find, making this pairing as budget-friendly as it is delicious.

In this post, we’ll explore multiple flavorful recipes featuring cabbage and smoked sausage, along with tips, variations, and nutritional insights to help you get the most out of these ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Recipes with cabbage and smoked sausage bring together the best of textures and tastes. The cabbage provides a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that balances the rich, smoky, and sometimes spicy notes of the sausage.

This combination creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s filling yet not overly heavy.

Another reason to love these recipes is their adaptability. You can customize them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs by swapping in different types of sausage (like chicken or turkey) or adding additional vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or potatoes.

Finally, these dishes are budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and make excellent leftovers, which is always a win for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded or chopped
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Bowl for mixing
  • Colander or strainer (for rinsing cabbage if desired)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage if damaged, then cut it into quarters and remove the core. Shred or chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Rinse if desired and drain well.
  2. Slice the smoked sausage: Cut the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch thick slices. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Cook the sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned on both sides and heated through.
  5. Add the cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together to combine.
  6. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth to help steam and soften the cabbage. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
  7. Season: Remove the lid and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If there’s excess liquid, cook uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate it.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard when adding the cabbage. This adds a subtle tang that complements the smoky sausage beautifully.

Variations to try:

  • Spicy Kick: Use andouille sausage and add more crushed red pepper flakes for a Cajun-inspired twist.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours for a hands-off meal.
  • Cheesy Cabbage & Sausage Bake: After cooking the ingredients on the stovetop, transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 18 g
Fat 22 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Fiber 3 g
Sodium 900 mg

Serving Suggestions

This flavorful cabbage and smoked sausage dish pairs wonderfully with a range of sides. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a comforting meal.

For a lighter option, enjoy it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. You could even stuff the mixture into warm tortillas or pita pockets for a delicious sandwich or wrap.

To explore more vegetable-forward meals, check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or warm up with the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Delicious Recipes with Cabbage and Smoked Sausage

Skillet Cabbage and Smoked Sausage Stir-Fry

A quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe highlights the smoky flavors of sausage with tender cabbage and a touch of spice.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 head green cabbage, sliced thin
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add onions and garlic, sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Add cabbage and smoked paprika, stir to combine.
  5. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Cabbage and Smoked Sausage Soup

This warming soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a comforting broth with hearty sausage and tender cabbage pieces.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
  2. Add sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  3. Add carrots, celery, cabbage, broth, and thyme.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.

Baked Cabbage and Smoked Sausage Casserole

A cozy casserole that’s perfect for potlucks or family dinners, combining savory sausage, cabbage, and melty cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sauté onion and garlic in a skillet until soft.
  3. In a large bowl, mix cabbage, sausage, sour cream, and cooked onion-garlic mixture.
  4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving.

For more ideas on vegetable-packed meals, try our Recipes With Rice and Vegetables for Healthy Meals or explore the Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious for a tasty twist.

Conclusion

Recipes featuring cabbage and smoked sausage are not only delicious but also practical, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that satisfy any appetite. The versatility of these ingredients means you can easily customize dishes to your liking, whether you prefer a quick skillet meal, comforting soup, or a cheesy casserole.

Incorporating cabbage adds a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins, while smoked sausage delivers that irresistible smoky richness. Together, they make meals that are both comforting and nutritious, ideal for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices, additional vegetables, or cooking methods to make these recipes your own. And if you want to explore more delicious, vegetable-forward meals, be sure to check out our other recipes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.

Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful cabbage and smoked sausage creations!

📖 Recipe Card: Cabbage and Smoked Sausage Skillet

Description: A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender cabbage with smoky sausage. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
  4. Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet; sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes; stir well.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until cabbage is tender.
  7. Return sausage to the skillet and mix well; cook uncovered for 5 more minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Marta K

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