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One-Pan Cheesy Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

cheesy sausage and cabbage skillet - featured image

A quick and hearty one-pan dinner featuring smoky sausage, tender cabbage, and gooey melted cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced into coins
  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion (about 8 oz), sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or grated (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch coins. Core and thinly slice the cabbage into ribbons (about 1/4-inch strips). Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the cheese if needed.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and slightly crisp on the edges (about 5 minutes). Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. Add remaining olive oil to the pan. Add sliced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add sliced cabbage to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté, stirring often, until the cabbage wilts down and starts to caramelize (7-10 minutes).
  5. Return browned sausage to the skillet, nestling it into the cabbage mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and let sit over low heat for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 2 minutes if oven-safe.
  6. Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if using. Gently stir to mix in the cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting. If cabbage sticks, add a splash of water or broth. You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or use plant-based sausage for vegetarian diets. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage, cabbage, skillet, one-pan, cheesy, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, gluten-free, low-carb