If ever a dish could surprise you with its cozy, homestyle appeal and sheer depth of flavor, it’s this Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage. This is a recipe that doesn’t just fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, it practically demands everyone gather around the table as soon as it’s ready. With tender cabbage soaking up the smoky, juicy sausage and a blend of warming spices, this dish is both comfort food and a weeknight lifesaver—all in one skillet.

Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This fried cabbage recipe with sausage is simple, but every ingredient pulls its weight. You get a gorgeous combination of savory, sweet, and a hint of heat, and it all comes together in about half an hour. Here’s what you need and why each element makes the dish unforgettable:

Sausage Meat (1 lb/450g): Smoky, savory sausage gives a flavor-packed backbone to the dish, and any style you love—be it smoked, spicy, or mild—works.
Onion (1, diced): Onion brings natural sweetness and aromatic richness, balancing out the meat’s saltiness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Crucial for adding depth and that irresistible aroma; fresh is best for bold flavor.
Green Cabbage (1/2 head, chopped): The star of the show! Once sautéed, cabbage turns melt-in-your-mouth tender yet holds just a slight crunch.
Scallions (2, sliced): A pop of green and freshness, these finish the dish with color and a mild onion kick.
Chicken Bouillon (1 tsp, crumbled): Adds extra savory goodness, amplifying the meaty notes without overpowering.
Salt and Cracked Black Pepper (to taste): Seasoning essentials; start light, because sausage and bouillon are already salty.
Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Bumps up the onion flavor and works perfectly with both fresh and cooked onions.
Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds complexity and a gentle background heat—yes, alongside the fresh garlic!
Paprika (1 tsp): For smoky depth and a subtle warm hue that makes the dish extra inviting.
Oregano (1/2 tsp): This herb brings earthiness and balances the sturdy cabbage and spiced sausage.
Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp): A hint of floral, woodsy charm that rounds out the entire skillet.
Cayenne Pepper (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a lively, spicy kick if you love a little heat—totally up to you!

How to Make Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sausage meat and cook, breaking it up as it browns, until no longer pink through the middle. The sausage will release some fat, which will give a delicious base for the rest of the ingredients. If your sausage seems particularly fatty, feel free to drain off a little, but keep enough for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With the sausage browned, toss in your diced onion. Let it sauté along with the sausage for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring to soak up all those tasty drippings. Next, add in your minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant—this only takes about 30 seconds but makes all the difference.

Step 3: Add and Wilt the Cabbage

Tip in your chopped cabbage, giving everything a good stir so those strips of cabbage start to pick up color and flavor. The cabbage will look like a lot at first, but it cooks down beautifully! Cover and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for cabbage that’s tender with just a slight bite.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Now it’s time to take the Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage to the next level—sprinkle in the crumbled chicken bouillon, salt, cracked black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, and cayenne if you like it spicy. Stir well, and let the spices bloom for another couple of minutes so every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and scatter the sliced scallions over the top. The pops of color and fresh flavor are just what the skillet needs. Dish up hot, straight from the skillet, and savor every forkful!

How to Serve Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage

Garnishes

This Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage really shines with a handful of sliced scallions on top, but you can also finish it with a dusting of smoked paprika or a pinch of chopped fresh parsley. If you love a creamy counterpoint, add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt right before digging in.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, pair this dish with buttery mashed potatoes or a simple side of crusty, rustic bread for soaking up every bit of the savory pan juices. If you’re after something lighter, a bright cucumber salad or tangy apple slaw offers a crisp contrast to the rich sausage and cabbage.

Creative Ways to Present

Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage is a knockout as a one-skillet wonder, but it’s also fantastic spooned over rice or tucked into a warm tortilla for a fun cabbage wrap. Try piling the mixture onto toasted buns for a quick, hearty sandwich or stuffing into bell peppers and baking for an even more colorful main.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cool them to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making it a satisfying next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage is freezer-friendly! Allow the dish to cool, package in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks dry. You can also microwave single servings, covered, in 30- to 45-second bursts, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?

Almost any fully-cooked or uncooked sausage will shine in fried cabbage recipe with sausage—smoked, kielbasa, Italian sausage, or andouille all work. Adjust the seasoning if your sausage is especially spicy or salty.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plant-based sausage, use veggie bouillon, and you’ll still enjoy all the cozy, robust flavor this recipe offers—just make sure to taste and adjust salt and seasonings since plant-based products vary.

Does this dish taste good the next day?

Yes! Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage develops even deeper flavor overnight, making it a dynamite meal prep option. Just reheat gently and add a bit of liquid if needed.

Can I add other vegetables?

For sure—feel free to toss in bell peppers, carrots, or even sliced mushrooms. Just add firmer veggies earlier in the cooking time so everything ends up perfectly tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only if you add the cayenne pepper! If you prefer your fried cabbage recipe with sausage on the milder side, simply leave out the cayenne or use just a pinch.

Final Thoughts

This Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage is the kind of dish you’ll want to come back to again and again. With its winning combination of hearty sausage, velvety cabbage, and warm spices, it’s proof that simple food can be deeply satisfying. I can’t recommend it enough—try it soon and let it become a weeknight favorite at your table!

Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage is a savory and hearty dish that combines flavorful sausage with tender cabbage and aromatic seasonings. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal that is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.

Add the onion to the sausage meat and continue to saute until the onion for 3 – 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about half a minute.

Cook the Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for a further 10 to 15 minutes while stirring occasionally. Season with the bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Cayenne, salt, and pepper and continue cooking for a couple of minutes.

Serve the fried cabbage with sausage skillet immediately, garnished with sliced scallion. Enjoy!

Notes

You can replace the spices with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend.
Go easy on salt because sausage is already salty, especially since we add bouillon cube.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Saute, Pan-Fry
Cuisine: American