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Easy Cabbage and Kielbasa Skillet

This 30-minute Cabbage and Kielbasa Skillet is the kind of simple, budget-friendly comfort food that always hits the spot. With just a few everyday ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal packed with smoky sausage, tender cabbage, and warm paprika flavor.

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s flavorful, filling, and affordable—this one-pan dish is a winner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
  • Budget-friendly: Just a handful of inexpensive ingredients.
  • Comfort food classic: Smoky, buttery, and satisfying.
  • One pan: Less mess and fewer dishes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Kielbasa – Smoked Polish sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds.
  • Olive oil & butter – For sautéing and richness.
  • Onion – Sweet onions add depth and flavor.
  • Green cabbage – Shredded into thin ribbons so it cooks quickly.
  • Garlic – Adds a savory kick.
  • Paprika – Mild paprika enhances flavor and gives a subtle warmth.
  • Salt & pepper – Season generously to taste.

What Is Kielbasa?

Kielbasa is a smoked pork sausage flavored with garlic, popular in Central and Eastern Europe. In most North American grocery stores, you’ll find it labeled as kielbasa or Polish smoked sausage. It has a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with cabbage.

How to Make Cabbage and Kielbasa Skillet

  1. Cook the sausage. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and sauté until browned and crisp (7–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté onions and cabbage. Lower the heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, add the chopped onion, and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
  3. Add flavor. Stir in garlic and paprika. Return the sausage to the pan and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until heated through.
  4. Season and serve. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations & Substitutions

  • Use Hungarian, Ukrainian, or Andouille sausage for a twist.
  • Add crispy bacon for extra richness.
  • Swap in smoked paprika for bolder flavor or hot paprika for a spicy kick.

What to Serve With It

This skillet is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

  • A dollop of sour cream
  • A simple green salad with creamy dressing
  • A slice of rye bread or crusty baguette

Leftovers & Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat until hot.
  • Freezer: Not recommended, as cabbage loses texture after freezing.

More Cabbage Favorites

Easy Cabbage and Kielbasa Skillet Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 16 oz kielbasa (smoked Polish sausage), sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green cabbage, shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa and sauté until browned, 7–10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add butter and onion to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring.
  3. Stir in cabbage and cook 10–15 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Add garlic and paprika. Stir well.
  5. Return kielbasa to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.