This flavor-packed Sausage and Peppers with Cabbage recipe is made with savory smoked Andouille sausage and tender cabbage for an authentic taste of Southern cuisine. All you need is a handful of simple ingredients to make this one-skillet dish and it comes together in under 30 minutes!
Who says soulful fried cabbage with smoked sausage can’t be healthy?! Enjoy the comforting flavors of Southern cooking with this delicious simple recipe. A blend of smoky, spicy sausage is combined with the subtle sweetness of sautéed cabbage, onion, and bell peppers and mixed with savory spices for a tasty harmony of fragrant flavors.
This is a one-pan recipe that can be enjoyed as a side dish or served as the main entree. It’s easy enough to prepare and enjoy for a busy weeknight dinner or served as a light lunch. Cooked cabbage sausage also heats well and makes great leftovers for easy meals during the week! If you’re looking for more easy skillet dinner recipes, try my steak and shrimp skillet, cheeseburger skillet, or blackened chicken and Brussels sprouts skillet.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep. This cabbage and sausage recipe is easy to prepare in one skillet, making cooking and clean-up easy!
- Simple & Satisfying. The straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe make this a great hassle-free dish bursting with satiating flavor.
- Nutritious. Sausage and peppers with cabbage is loaded with protein and nutritious veggies for a healthy comfort meal.
Recipe Ingredients
Below are the simple ingredients you will need to make this fried cabbage and sausage recipe. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page to see the exact amounts for each ingredient.
- Andouille Sausage: Spicy, smoky sausage is the star of this southern cabbage and sausage dish, made with a blend of pork, garlic, and savory spices. I recommend choosing a Louisiana-style sausage for the best southern flavor.
- Cabbage: Adds a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch to the dish. Choose a cabbage head that is compact and firm with crisp leaves.
- Olive Oil: Look for extra virgin olive oil for the most robust flavor for sauteéing. Alternatively, you can use another neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil or even butter for a richer flavor.
- Bell Pepper: Choose your favorite color bell pepper or use a mix, like green bell pepper and red bell pepper, for depth of flavor and color.
- Onion: Yellow or white onion will give the best slightly sweet flavor.
- Spices: Paprika and garlic powder add a punch of spice and savory flavor.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers with Cabbage
Below are photos and recipe steps so you can easily make this smoked sausage and peppers recipe at home. You will also need a stovetop burner, a large skillet or griddle, a knife, and a cutting board.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and brown for about 3 minutes on each side. When the sausage has browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped cabbage, peppers, and onion to the skillet. Sprinkle with the paprika and garlic powder and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened to your desired consistency.
- Add the sausage back to the skillet and toss to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Enjoy this one pan recipe as is for a light meal or pair it with some of your favorite low carb sides. It also goes well with a variety of Southern-inspired dishes for a full-spread meal! Below are some of our favorite recipes to enjoy with this dish.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the vegetables. Sauté them until they are just tender yet slightly crisp. An al dente texture in smoked sausage and cabbage recipes is much better than mushy vegetables.
- Add additional flavors for extra depth of flavor if desired like cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat, or toss southern cabbage and sausage with Dijon or stone ground mustard for a tangy twist.
- For extra presentation, garnish with herbs like parsley, thyme, or green onions for a pop of green color and fresh flavor.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Sausage FAQ
Allow to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
You want to cut the cabbage into larger bite-sized pieces, not shredded, for the best consistency in this sausage cabbage recipe. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage head, then cut it in half lengthwise and remove the bottom core. Then slice it into pieces.
Yes, feel free to swap the andouille sausage in this sausage cabbage recipe for a mild or spicy chicken sausage or turkey sausage if you prefer. Some great options are sweet Italian sausage, apple sausage, and cheesy jalapeño sausage.
Sausage and Peppers with Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 14 ounces sausage such as Andouille Sausage Smoked sausage or Chorizo
- 2 cups cabbage cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups bell pepper cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup onion cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon each paprika and garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or griddle to medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and brown on each side. This will take approximately 6 minutes. When the sausage has browned, remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped cabbage, peppers, and onion to the skillet. Sprinkle with the paprika and garlic powder, and saute, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened to your liking.
- Add the sausage to the skillet and toss to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.
