This is a simple 30-minute meal that you can make in one skillet with cabbage and sausage. You can serve it with potatoes or rice, and it tastes great!
Nothing beats how easy this cabbage and sausage dish is to make. This 30-minute meal is one you’ll want to make often. My Polish grandmother would be so proud if I used Kielbasa in this recipe, but any kind of cased sausage will work great too.
I love serving this with a side of mashed potatoes. The flavors are like a boiled dinner when eaten with the smoky meat, cabbage, and carrots. (A New England staple that I grew up with!).
Cabbage and sausage is a classic flavor combination that comes together easily for a fast, hearty meal. But the possibilities don’t stop there! Beyond simply sautéing cabbage and sausage in a skillet, there are endless creative ways to use this dynamic duo.
Read on for 10 delicious recipe ideas that make the most of cabbage and sausage
1. Cabbage and Sausage Soup
Transform your cabbage and sausage into a cozy soup by simmering it in broth with potatoes carrots, onions and seasonings. Top with a swirl of yogurt or sour cream. The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with the sweet tender cabbage and vegetables.
2. Cabbage, Sausage and Rice Skillet
For an easy one-pan meal, cook rice right in the same skillet you used to brown the sausage. Once the rice is tender, stir in shredded cabbage and cook until wilted. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors.
3. Baked Cabbage Rolls with Sausage
Precook sausage and mix with precooked rice and seasonings. Wrap in blanched cabbage leaves, arrange in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce and bake. The stuffed cabbage rolls make an impressive stuffed cabbage without tedious rolling and boiling.
4. Cabbage and Sausage Stir Fry
Slice cabbage and sausage thinly and stir fry with sliced onion, carrots and soy sauce. The high heat helps caramelize the cabbage for a delicious flavor. Serve over rice.
5. Sausage, Cabbage and Potato Soup
Simmer potatoes, sausage and cabbage in chicken broth. Purée some of the soup to make it thick and creamy. The potatoes lend additional comforting flavor and heartiness.
6. Pierogi with Cabbage and Sausage
Mix cooked sausage with sautéed cabbage, onion and spices. Place filling in the center of pierogi dough discs. Seal, boil, then pan fry for the perfect Polish meal. The crispy dumplings are stuffed with savory cabbage sausage goodness.
7. Lazy Cabbage Rolls Casserole
Skip the rolling by layering shredded cabbage, sausage, rice and sauce like a lasagna. Cover and bake until the cabbage is tender. All the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in convenient casserole form.
8. Sausage and Cabbage Strata
In a greased baking dish, layer torn bread cubes, raw sausage, shredded cabbage and cheese. Whisk eggs with milk and cream and pour over the dish before baking. The savory breakfast casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch.
9. Cabbage, Sausage and Apple Sauté
Sliced apples add natural sweetness to balance the cabbage and sausage when sautéed together. Onions, garlic, thyme and cider vinegar also complement the ingredients. It’s a delicious autumnal skillet dinner.
10. Cabbage and Sausage Egg Rolls
For an appetizer twist, wrap bite-size pieces of cooked cabbage and sausage in egg roll wrappers. Fry until crispy and golden. The handheld packets are crispy on the outside with a flavorful filling.
With so many options, cabbage and sausage makes the perfect vehicle for all kinds of cuisines and dishes. From casseroles to dumplings to stir fries, the simple staples can be transformed into all different flavors. Every cuisine offers creative ways to use cabbage and sausage in traditional or unexpected recipes.
Keep these winning combinations on hand. Having precooked sausage and shredded cabbage ready to go in the refrigerator makes it simple to throw together a quick meal or incorporate them into other dishes. Here are some tips for preparing and storing cabbage and sausage:
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Cook sausage – Brown sausage in advance until cooked through. Let cool completely before storing.
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Shred cabbage – Remove core and shred or chop cabbage. Store in an airtight container.
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Portion ingredients – Divide cooked sausage and shredded cabbage into recipe-sized portions.
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Refrigerate 3-4 days – Store prepared ingredients in sealed containers. Use within 3-4 days.
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Freeze if longer storing – For longer storage, freeze portions up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Having prepped cabbage and sausage ingredients on hand makes putting together delicious meals and appetizers fast and convenient. All you need to do is grab them from the fridge and add additional ingredients depending on the recipe.
Now that you have tasty new ideas, explore different ways to enjoy cabbage and sausage. Vary spice blends, globally-inspired sauces and mix-ins to keep meals exciting. With the versatility of cabbage and sausage, you could enjoy a different recipe every night of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking with Cabbage and Sausage
What are the best types of cabbage to use?
Green, red, napa and savoy cabbage all work well. Their flavor profiles are slightly different but complement sausage.
What kinds of sausage work best?
Smoked and cured sausages like kielbasa, bratwurst and smoked sausage have the best flavor. Avoid uncooked ground sausage.
Should you parcook the cabbage first?
It’s not necessary but does cut down on cooking time for finished dishes. Blanch cabbage before adding to recipes for a head start.
How should you cut cabbage for cooking?
Shred, chop or slice cabbage thinly to help it cook faster and more evenly. Remove tough core before cutting.
Is it better to cook cabbage covered or uncovered?
Covering helps steam and soften cabbage. Leave uncovered at the end to evaporate moisture.
What spices flavor cabbage and sausage well?
Garlic, paprika, caraway, dill, parsley, mustard, oregano, thyme and rosemary all complement the ingredients.
What are good side dishes with cabbage and sausage?
Potatoes, rice, egg noodles, crusty bread and dumplings all make excellent accompaniments.
The versatility of cabbage and sausage makes it endlessly adaptable to recipes across all courses and cuisines. Whether stuffed, stirred, sautéed or simmered, this winning combo is sure to be a hit at any meal. Get inspired to use cabbage and sausage in creative ways!
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How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Sauté the Kielbasa to brown on each side. Remove and set aside. Add the onions and butter.
Add the garlic, then add the chicken broth, mustard, brown sugar, hot sauce, and parsley. Add the cabbage and carrots and season with salt/pepper.
Sauté for 10-15 minutes, or until desired consistency is obtained. Add the kielbasa back and toss to combine. Serve!.
- Place in a container that doesn’t let air in. Put in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Leftovers do freeze/reheat well! .