Sautéed Cabbage and Kielbasa

Published: Feb 22, 2017 / Updated: Sep 19, 2022 / 90 Comments

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All you need is a few simple ingredients to make this ridiculously tasty 30-minute cabbage and kielbasa skillet! It's easy, inexpensive comfort food at its very best.

Looking for just the cabbage? Try my Simple Sautéed Cabbage recipe.

metal skillet with sauteed cabbage and kielbasa

Cabbage and sausage skillet

If you haven't tried the irresistible combo of cabbage and kielbasa yet, you're missing out! The kielbasa is rich and smoky and the perfect contrast to the tender, buttery fried cabbage in this no-fuss, affordable weeknight dinner.

Since I'm half Czech, I am no stranger to the goodness of cabbage. I definitely grew up eating a lot of it, so I learned early on how amazing this humble ingredient really can taste! If you're skeptical about cabbage, this one-pan recipe will change your mind. The simplicity lets all the individual components shine.

Just a handful of ingredients

Kielbasa - slice the sausage into evenly sized rounds
Olive oil - for pan frying the sausage until browned
Butter - to sauté the onion
Onion - I like sweet Vidalia onions, but you can choose your favorite variety
Cabbage - we're using green cabbage here. You don't need to be super precise in measuring it out, but make sure to shred it into fairly thin ribbons, or your cooking time may be longer.
Garlic - I suggest two cloves, but you're welcome to add as much as you like! It's very easy to mince with this garlic press since you don't need to peel the cloves beforehand.
Paprika - mild paprika is the magic ingredient that totally transforms cabbage and brings out its wonderful flavor

What is kielbasa?

It's a smoked pork sausage with garlic that originated in central and eastern Europe. Here in North America kielbasa is often sold in regular grocery stores labeled as "kielbasa" or "smoked Polish sausage". The word "kielbasa" actually means "sausage", so if you go to a Polish grocer and ask for it, you'll have to be more specific since they'll have many varieties. Here in Canada we often refer to "kielbasa" simply as "kubasa". Now you know!

How to make sautéed sausage and cabbage

This is an overview, and full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Pan fry the kielbasa with the olive oil in a skillet until it's crisp and nicely browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the onions in the butter for a few minutes, and then add in the cabbage. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
Add in the garlic and paprika and stir until combined. Put the sausage back in the skillet and cook until warmed through. Season generously with salt and pepper, and enjoy right away.

Substitutions and variations

Smoked Ukrainian or Hungarian sausage or even Andouille would work in this dish too.
Some crispy bacon would be a fantastic addition.
Mild paprika is the standard preparation and has more than enough flavor, but you could try subbing it for hot or smoked paprika if you like.
You could serve it with a little bit of sour cream on the side!

close-up of sauteed cabbage and kielbasa in a bowl with a fork

What to serve with it

It's a complete meal in itself, but you're welcome to pair it with a side salad. Try a fresh green salad with my Creamy Balsamic Dressing.
A slice of bread would be great. Rye bread is my go-to for this one, but a crusty bread like a baguette works too.

Leftovers and storage

Any leftovers will keep for a few days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Reheat in a saucepan or skillet over a low heat for best results.
I wouldn't recommend freezing this recipe. The texture of the cooked cabbage won't come out the same.

More simple cabbage recipes

two male hands holding a bowl of sauteed cabbage and kielbasa

Will you make this cabbage and sausage skillet? Tried it? Leave me a comment below! You can also find me on Instagram.