Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet
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Kielbasa and cabbage skillet is a tasty meal you can whip up in just 30 minutes. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and filling. You’ll love how the smoky kielbasa pairs with the tender cabbage, creating a comforting and savory dinner.

The recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. You’ll start by browning the kielbasa, then cook the onions and cabbage until they’re soft. A splash of vinegar and some mustard add a nice tang to balance out the flavors. It’s a great way to get a hearty meal on the table without much fuss.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty kielbasa and cabbage skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces kielbasa sausage
- 1 medium onion
- 1 small head green cabbage (about 2 pounds)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or brown grainy mustard
Make sure to slice the kielbasa into 1/4-inch rounds. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Core and thinly slice the cabbage.
With these simple ingredients, you’ll create a hearty and flavorful meal. The kielbasa adds a smoky taste, while the cabbage soaks up all the yummy flavors.
Don’t forget to adjust the seasonings to your liking before serving. You might want to add a bit more salt or pepper depending on your taste buds.

Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nicely browned. Take it out and set aside.
Next, toss the chopped onion into the same pan. Let it cook for about 3 minutes until soft.
Now, add your sliced cabbage, salt, and pepper. Cook this mix for 10-15 minutes without a lid. Stir it often. You’ll see the cabbage start to wilt and get tender.
Toss in the minced garlic and paprika. Cook for just a minute until you can smell the garlic.
Put the kielbasa back in the pan. Add rice wine vinegar and mustard. Stir it all together and cook for 2 more minutes.
Give it a taste. Add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Your kielbasa and cabbage skillet is ready to serve. Enjoy it while it’s hot!

Possible Substitutes List
Can’t find kielbasa? No worries! You have plenty of tasty options to swap in. Here’s a handy list of sausages that work great in this skillet dish:
- Andouille: Spicy Cajun sausage with a smoky kick
- Bratwurst: Mild German sausage, perfect for a subtle flavor
- Italian sausage: Choose hot or sweet for a Mediterranean twist
- Chorizo: Adds a bold, spicy Spanish flair
- Smoked sausage: Similar to kielbasa, but easier to find
Remember to adjust cooking times as needed. Some sausages may cook faster or slower than kielbasa.
For a veggie version, try:
- Plant-based sausages
- Sliced portobello mushrooms
- Extra-firm tofu, cubed and seasoned
These options keep the dish hearty and filling. You might need to add extra oil when cooking veggie substitutes.
No matter which substitute you pick, you’ll end up with a yummy skillet meal. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your favorite combo!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this kielbasa and cabbage skillet more diabetes-friendly, try these simple swaps:
- Use turkey kielbasa instead of pork to reduce fat and calories.
- Cut the amount of kielbasa in half and add more cabbage to boost fiber.
- Skip the salt and use herbs like thyme or rosemary for flavor.
You can also add some low-carb veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. This adds nutrients without many extra carbs.
For the mustard, pick a sugar-free option. You might want to leave out the rice wine vinegar too, as it has some sugar.
To lower the glycemic impact, serve smaller portions. Pair it with a side salad to fill up your plate without adding many carbs.
Remember to check your blood sugar before and after trying this meal. Everyone’s body reacts differently to foods, so it’s good to see how it affects you.
With these tweaks, you can enjoy this tasty dish while keeping your blood sugar in check. It’s still a quick and easy one-pan meal, perfect for busy nights!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
To make the best kielbasa and cabbage skillet, use a high-quality kielbasa. The sausage is the star, so pick one you really like.
Slice your cabbage thinly, about 1/4-inch thick. This helps it cook evenly and quickly.
Don’t overcook the cabbage. You want it tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep an eye on it and taste as you go.
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of beer when you cook the cabbage. It adds depth to the dish.
To store leftovers, let the skillet cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water to the pan. This helps bring back moisture and prevents the dish from drying out.
For a change, try using different types of sausage. Polish sausage or smoked sausage work well too.
If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno when cooking the onions.
To make it a fuller meal, serve over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread on the side.