Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe | Quick One-Pan Dinner with Smoky Sausage & Tender Cabbage

Sliced sausage and sautéed cabbage stir fry in a skillet, garnished with herbs and cracked pepper.
Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry—smoky sausage and tender cabbage tossed in a savory one-pan meal.
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A One-Pan Wonder for Busy Weeknights

When life gets hectic, nothing beats a one-pan meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and quick to prepare. Inspired by recipes from Sally Meals, Better Home Base, and HR Recipes, this sausage and cabbage stir fry is the ultimate weeknight solution. It combines smoky sausage with tender-crisp cabbage, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—minimal prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and a cooking time that gets dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, or simply craving comfort food, this stir fry delivers satisfaction without fuss. It’s versatile enough to serve as-is, or you can pair it with rice, noodles, or potatoes for a more filling meal. With bold flavors and easy cleanup, this dish proves that weeknight cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.

What Makes Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry So Satisfying

This stir fry is a masterclass in balance and flavor. Smoky, savory sausage provides richness, while cabbage offers a tender-crisp bite that lightens the dish. Together, they create a satisfying contrast that keeps each forkful interesting. Aromatics like onion and garlic deepen the flavor base, while optional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms add color and nutrition. The one-pan method ensures everything cooks together seamlessly, allowing the flavors to meld while keeping cleanup minimal. What makes this dish truly special is its flexibility—you can swap in different sausages, adjust the seasonings, or add grains to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something quick and hearty, sausage and cabbage stir fry hits the mark. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when cooked with care, can deliver big flavor and comfort in every bite.

Ingredient Overview

The foundation of this stir fry is the protein: smoked sausage, kielbasa, Italian sausage, or turkey sausage all work beautifully. Each variety brings its own character—smoky, spicy, or mild—so you can tailor the dish to your taste.

For vegetables, cabbage is the star. Green cabbage offers a classic flavor, while purple cabbage adds vibrant color. Onions and garlic provide aromatic depth, and bell peppers contribute sweetness and crunch.

The flavor base comes from olive oil or avocado oil, seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika. A splash of soy sauce or vinegar adds brightness and balance, cutting through the richness of the sausage.

Optional add-ins include carrots for sweetness, mushrooms for earthiness, zucchini for freshness, or red pepper flakes for heat.

Tip: Slice sausage and cabbage evenly to ensure consistent cooking and texture. With these ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s simple, adaptable, and packed with flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the cabbage: Add sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook until tender-crisp, about 8–10 minutes.
  4. Combine: Return the browned sausage to the pan. Toss everything together with salt, pepper, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes.
  5. Deglaze (optional): Add a splash of soy sauce or apple cider vinegar to lift the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir well to coat.
  6. Serve: Enjoy hot, either on its own or paired with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to achieve better caramelization and flavor.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ons

This stir fry adapts beautifully to different flavor profiles. Add Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika for a Southern-inspired twist. Use sweet Italian sausage with fennel for a Mediterranean vibe. Stir in cooked rice or quinoa to transform the dish into a complete meal. You can also finish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for brightness. Each variation brings a new personality to the dish, making it endlessly customizable and exciting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sausage and cabbage stir fry over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty dinner. Pair with crusty bread or a green salad to round out the meal. It’s also excellent for meal prep, as the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Whether plated simply or dressed up with sides, this stir fry is versatile enough for both casual weeknight dinners and satisfying lunches.

Sliced sausage and sautéed cabbage stir fry in a skillet, garnished with herbs and cracked pepper.

Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe | Quick One-Pan Dinner with Smoky Sausage & Tender Cabbage

This Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that comes together in one pan for a quick and satisfying meal. Smoky sausage slices are seared until golden, then tossed with tender cabbage, garlic, onions, and a splash of vinegar for brightness. It’s a rustic comfort food classic—simple, nourishing, and full of bold flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a low-carb, veggie-forward dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish, One-pan dinner
Cuisine American-Inspired, Comfort Food, Keto-Friendly
Servings 4 (about 6 cups total)
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Knife + cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 12 oz smoked sausage, kielbasa, Italian sausage, or turkey sausage (sliced)

Vegetables

  • ½ head green or purple cabbage (sliced)
  • 1 medium onion (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 bell pepper (sliced)

Flavor Base

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or apple cider vinegar

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 carrot (julienned)
  • 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 zucchini (sliced)
  • Red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • Brown sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add oil. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Cook cabbage: Add sliced cabbage. Stir frequently and cook until tender-crisp, about 8–10 minutes.
  • Combine: Return sausage to the skillet. Toss with paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  • Deglaze (optional): Add soy sauce or vinegar to lift flavorful bits from the pan. Stir well.
  • Serve: Enjoy hot as-is, or pair with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Make-ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
  • Avoid mistakes: Don’t overcook cabbage, limit oil to prevent greasiness, and finish with acid for brightness.
  • Variations: Add Cajun seasoning for Southern flair, Italian sausage for Mediterranean vibes, or stir in rice/quinoa for a complete meal.
Keyword cabbage skillet, keto sausage recipe, one-pan dinner, quick weeknight meal, Sausage stir fry