Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require a ton of fuss in the kitchen. That’s exactly why this Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes on busy weeknights. The smoky, spicy notes from the Cajun seasoning paired with the hearty sausage and tender cabbage create a beautiful harmony that’s both satisfying and simple to make.
Whether you’re looking to shake up your dinner rotation or want a recipe that works well for meal prep, this skillet ticks all the boxes. It’s quick to whip up, uses minimal pots and pans, and leaves you with a delicious, colorful plate that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try this Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe, it will easily become a staple in your kitchen too.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simplicity Meets Flavor: Using just one skillet lets the sausage fat infuse the cabbage, creating a rich depth of flavor without extra effort.
- Balanced Texture: The cabbage achieves that perfect crisp-tender bite while the sausage stays juicy and flavorful.
- Customizable Heat: Cajun seasoning adds a warm kick but you can dial it up or down depending on your spice preferences.
- Quick Weeknight Win: Coming together in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe is all about simple ingredients that complement each other effortlessly. The sausage adds a smoky richness, while the cabbage provides volume and a light earthiness. I love shopping for fresh cabbage heads that are firm with bright green leaves—it makes a big difference in how the dish turns out.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and adds a subtle fruity base without overpowering other flavors.
- Andouille sausage: Classic Cajun sausage with just the right smoky spiciness; you can swap for any sausage you prefer.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps soften the onions with a touch of richness.
- Onion: Builds a sweet, aromatic foundation that mellows as it caramelizes.
- Cabbage: The star of the show—choose a medium head for a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.
- Diced tomatoes (drained): Adds subtle acidity and juiciness, balancing the richness of the sausage.
- Cajun seasoning: Brings the signature spice and flavor kick to the dish.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love most about this Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over the years, I’ve played around with the spice level, swapped out sausages, and added different veggies — it’s a flexible template that welcomes your personal touch.
- Variation: I often throw in some sliced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra layer of color and heat—it totally transforms the dish and keeps it interesting.
- Dietary tweak: For a leaner version, turkey sausage works great without losing that bold flavor.
- Seasonal twist: Adding some fresh parsley or green onions right at the end brightens up the flavors, especially in spring or summer.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Unlock Flavor
Heat your olive oil over medium-high in a large skillet or braiser pan. When it’s shimmering, add your thinly sliced sausage. I like to let each side get a nice golden brown, roughly 1-2 minutes per side. This not only makes the sausage tasty but also releases flavorful fat that infuses everything else. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and cover it to keep warm—don’t forget to reserve those pan drippings!
Step 2: Soften the Onions in Butter
Wipe your pan clean to avoid burned bits, then melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add diced onions and let them slowly soften and caramelize for about 8-10 minutes. This slow cooking draws out their natural sweetness and creates a great base for the cabbage to come.
Step 3: Wilt the Cabbage Just Right
After the onions are beautifully softened, stir in the shredded cabbage. Cover the pan to let the cabbage steam and wilt a bit, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then uncover and give it a good stir to get that perfect crisp-tender texture. This step prevents the cabbage from turning mushy while still making it tender enough to enjoy.
Step 4: Bring It All Together with Seasoning
Add the drained diced tomatoes, sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning and sea salt, then nestle the cooked sausage back in. Turn the heat up to medium-high and stir everything together for 3-4 minutes. This finishes cooking the cabbage while letting excess moisture evaporate and intensifying all the flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when the cabbage is tender and the dish smells irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe
- Don’t Rinse the Cabbage: I used to wash the cabbage after shredding, but leaving it dry gives better pan sear and avoids sogginess.
- Manage Your Heat: Cooking the onions low and slow brings out sweetness, so don’t rush this step—it balances the sausage’s spice perfectly.
- Reserve the Sausage Drippings: Those are pure flavor gold. They coat your veggies and elevate the whole dish.
- Drain Those Tomatoes Well: Excess liquid can make the dish watery, so I always drain the canned tomatoes thoroughly before adding them.
How to Serve Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh brightness that balances the hearty dish. A little squeeze of lemon also works wonders if you want a mild tang.
Side Dishes
This skillet is pretty hearty on its own, but I often pair it with a simple side of buttery cornbread or some crusty bread to soak up all those flavorful juices. If you want more veggies, roasted sweet potatoes or a crisp green salad complement it nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe in warm cast iron skillets right at the table—it adds a rustic charm. I’ve also topped it with a fried egg for an added touch of comfort that guests always rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better. Just make sure it cools a bit before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen this skillet in portion-sized containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove; this keeps the cabbage from turning mushy and the sausage flavorful.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the cabbage. Microwaving works too but be mindful not to overcook, or the cabbage can get limp.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor, you can swap it with smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage. Just make sure to choose a sausage that has a good flavor profile and isn’t too lean since the fat helps flavor the dish.
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How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate kick that’s warm and flavorful but not overwhelming. If you prefer it milder, start with less and add more to taste. You can also balance heat by tweaking other spices or adding cooling garnishes like sour cream or fresh herbs.
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Is the cabbage supposed to be soft or slightly crunchy?
The cabbage should be cooked until it’s tender but still has a bit of crunch—what I call “crisp-tender.” This keeps the texture interesting and prevents the dish from feeling mushy. The covered wilting step helps achieve this balance perfectly.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and replace it with smoked tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based sausage alternative. You might want to add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to retain that smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe holds a cozy spot in my heart—and my kitchen—because it’s easy, comforting, and packs a flavorful punch that never gets old. I hope you’ll find as much joy in cooking and eating it as I do. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and dive into a dish that’s as satisfying as it is straightforward. Trust me, your weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting!
Print
Cabbage and Sausage Skillet with Cajun Seasoning Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Cabbage and Sausage recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender shredded cabbage with spicy Andouille sausage, simmered with diced tomatoes and Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it balances savory and mildly spicy flavors with a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 12 oz Andouille Sausage (sliced thinly)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1/2 large Onion (diced)
- 1 medium head Cabbage (shredded; 8 cups)
- 1 14.5-oz can Diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan or braiser over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until browned and fat is rendered. Remove sausage and set aside on a plate; keep warm.
- Sauté the onions: Wipe down the pan, then add the unsalted butter. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the diced onions. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to brown.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the pan, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt near the bottom.
- Wilt the cabbage further: Uncover the pan and stir the cabbage. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still crisp-tender.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Add the drained diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, sea salt, and the cooked sausage back into the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high.
- Finish cooking: Stir fry the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage is fully wilted and excess liquid has evaporated, incorporating all the flavors well.
Notes
- You can substitute Andouille sausage with any preferred sausage variety for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and salt to taste depending on your preference for spiciness and saltiness.
- If you prefer your cabbage softer, cook it covered for a few minutes longer before uncovering.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread to make it a complete meal.
- Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the final dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
