Description
A comforting, one-skillet meal that brings together smoky kielbasa, tender sautéed cabbage, and buttery caramelized onions. This old-fashioned favorite is simple, hearty, and full of flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. The balance of smokiness, sweetness, and savory goodness makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced kielbasa and brown both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced cabbage, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, about 7 minutes.
- Return kielbasa to the skillet, stir everything together, and add apple cider vinegar or mustard if using. Cook another 3–5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth, beer, or vinegar after browning the sausage. If you want a touch of sweetness, stir in a few thin slices of apple or a teaspoon of brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 75mg