Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet

I got a really strong craving for my One Pan Roasted Kielbasa and Cabbage Dinner the other day, but instead of making it the exact same way, I decided to change it up and make a fast skillet version (oh, and low-carb, too!). This super easy and incredibly tasty Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet is as simple as smoke sausage, onion, cabbage and a nice tangy coarse mustard vinaigrette. The vinaigrette is everything here because kielbasa or any smoked sausage is always better when dipped in a nice coarse ground mustard, right? So I formulated the vinaigrette as a way to get that nice mustardy flavor all throughout the Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet.

And if you aren’t all about the low-carb thing you can stretch this dish even further by adding some cooked wide egg noodles. I’d probably use about 8oz. for the size of this recipe.

Since package sizes for kielbasa vary from brand to brand, you can use anywhere from 12oz. to 16 oz. for this skillet. The kielbasa I got at Kroger was a 14oz. link, so that’s what is listed in the ingredients, just know that there is wiggle room.

Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet

I added some fresh chopped parsley for visual appeal in the photos, but it’s not needed to flavor the dish.

4.46 from 50 votes

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Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet

If you need a fast and easy weeknight dinner that is filling, flavorful, and low carb, this Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet has you covered. 

Total Cost $5.48 recipe / $1.37 serving

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

Mustard Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup olive oil $0.52
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar $0.20
• 1.5 Tbsp coarse ground mustard $0.09
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
• 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
• Freshly Cracked Pepper $0.05

Kielbasa and Cabbage

• 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.13
• 14 oz. kielbasa $2.49
• 1 yellow onion $0.32
• 6 cups chopped cabbage (1 small head, 2.25 lbs) $1.59
• pinch salt and pepper $0.05

Instructions

1. Prepare the vinaigrette by adding the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper to a bowl or jar. Whisk or shake the jar until the ingredients are combined, then set the vinaigrette aside.

2. Slice the kielbasa into medallions or half-rounds and add them to a large skillet (12" or larger) or a large, wide-bottomed pot, along with the olive oil. Sauté the sausage over medium heat until the pieces are well browned.

3. While the sausage is browning, finely dice the onion. Once the sausage has fully browned, add the onions and continue to sauté until the onions are soft and transparent.

4. While the onions are sautéing, chop the head of cabbage into 2-inch by  1/2-inch wide strips. Add the cabbage to the skillet or pot along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to sauté until the cabbage is tender (check the thickest white pieces for tenderness). To help the cabbage soften, add a few tablespoons of water to create steam within the pot or skillet. Let the water evaporate as you sauté the cabbage.

5. Once tender, drizzle the mustard vinaigrette over the skillet, starting with just half of the prepared amount. Stir to coat the kielbasa and cabbage in the vinaigrette, taste, and add more if needed. Serve warm.

Step by Step Photos

To make the mustard vinaigrette, add 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, 1.5 Tbsp coarse ground mustard, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and some freshly cracked pepper to a bowl or jar.

Whisk or shake the jar until the ingredients are mixed (15-20 seconds of shaking). Set the dressing aside.

Slice 14oz. of kielbasa into rounds or half-rounds and add them to a very large skillet or wide-bottomed pot along with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Sauté over medium heat until the sausage is well browned. You really want that browning action to get the most flavor.

While the kielbasa is sautéing, dice the onion. Add the onion to the skillet once the kielbasa is browned and continue to sauté until the onions are soft and transparent. The moisture from the onions should help dissolve the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

While the onions are sautéing chop one small head into 2-inch by 1/2-inch strips (about 6 cups once chopped). Add the cabbage to the skillet along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add a few tablespoons of water to help steam and soften the cabbage, and sauté until the cabbage has become tender. The water will evaporate as you sauté the cabbage. By this time your kitchen should be smelling REALLY good. If you want to add cooked egg noodles, add them once the cabbage has softened.

Finally, drizzle the mustard vinaigrette over top, starting with just half of the vinaigrette, and stir until everything is coated. Taste the cabbage and add more dressing if desired.

Serve warm! It’s also pretty good as leftovers. ;)

SO FREAKING GOOD.