This Pioneer Woman Cabbage and Sausage Recipe is a savory and easy one-pan meal, which is made with smoked sausage and green cabbage. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 50 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Cabbage and Sausage Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, sliced into coins, 1/2″ thick
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
- 8 cups chopped green cabbage (about half of 1 medium cabbage)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley, optional
- Grainy mustard and/or sour cream, for serving (optional)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cabbage and Sausage
- Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped cabbage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring, until the cabbage has wilted, which should take about 8 more minutes.
- Combine and simmer: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Pour in the chicken stock. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 20 minutes without uncovering or stirring.
- Finish and serve: After 20 minutes, stir in the fresh parsley, if you’re using it. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a side of grainy mustard or a dollop of sour cream.

Recipe Tips
- What kind of sausage is best? Smoked sausage like kielbasa is ideal for its flavor, but andouille would also work well if you prefer a little spice.
- How do I keep the cabbage from getting mushy? The key is not to overcook it. The 20-minute covered simmer time is designed to make it tender, not mushy. Also, avoid stirring during this final cooking stage.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes, this is a versatile dish. Sliced bell peppers or carrots can be added with the onion for extra flavor and color.
- How can I add more flavor? A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can brighten up the flavors. You could also add a teaspoon of caraway seeds with the garlic for a more traditional taste.
What To Serve With Cabbage and Sausage
This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but it also pairs well with a few classic sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Crusty rye or pumpernickel bread
- A simple cucumber and dill salad
How To Store Cabbage and Sausage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
- Freeze: While possible, freezing may alter the texture of the cabbage. If you do freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cabbage and Sausage Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 32g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fiber: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes. While green cabbage is standard, you could use Savoy cabbage for a slightly milder flavor and more tender texture. Red cabbage would also work, but be aware it will change the color of the dish.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Of course. To add some heat, use a spicy smoked sausage like andouille. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a noticeable kick.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, this is an excellent low-carb and keto-friendly meal. To keep it strictly low-carb, ensure your sausage has no added sugars and serve it as is, without starchy sides like potatoes or noodles.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Tater Tot Casserole with Sausage Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Sausage Dip Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cabbage and Sausage Recipe
Description
A quick and savory one-pan meal featuring golden-brown smoked sausage and tender, flavorful cabbage, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter in a large skillet; brown sausage slices and set aside.
- Sauté the onion in the same skillet until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add cabbage, garlic, salt, and pepper; cook until cabbage is wilted.
- Return sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken stock, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 20 minutes without uncovering or stirring.
- Stir in parsley and serve with mustard or sour cream.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid is crucial for steaming the cabbage correctly.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eBrowning the sausage first is key to building a deep layer of flavor in the pan.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t lift the lid during the final 20-minute simmer; this step is essential for making the cabbage tender.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe dish is even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.u003c/liu003e
