Tender potatoes, fresh cabbage, and salty kielbasa are about all you need to make this quick and easy flavor-filled Kielbasa Cabbage Potato Skillet.
There is never a bite leftover when I make this and my kids ask for it often.
I never have a problem fulfilling their request for this tasty skillet dinner because it takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.
This is one of those recipes to keep in your arsenal for the nights when you need a fast meal that will please everyone at the table.
As I was making this dinner for about the tenth time this year, it occurred to me that I’ve never actually posted it. It’s a super quick adaptation of this hash recipe and my boys love it.
This recipe is my answer to “what’s for dinner?” and also solves “I forgot to take the meat out of the freezer and it’s 5:00 pm.”
Best of all, my family loves kielbasa, so I know I’ll never hear any complaints when this dish hits the dinner table.
Kielbasa and Cabbage
My kids love Kielbasa and it’s featured in one of our dinners at least a couple times a month.
Kielbasa is something that you will almost always find in my refrigerator and we enjoy it in everything from Kielbasa and Shrimp Fried Rice to Cabbage and Sausage Skillet or combined in a Summer Squash Skillet.
The combination of Kielbasa sausage and cabbage is always a hit. These two inexpensive staples become an incredible and satisfying meal when cooked together.
Cabbage doesn’t always have the best reputation. It can be bitter and tough when eaten raw and get unappealing if overcooked. When cooked right though it’s one of my favorite veggies.
This cabbage is pan-fried in the skillet along with the spicy flavorful kielbasa, olive oil (or coconut oil) and garlic. The result is a lightly sweet and aromatic cabbage that’s tender but not mushy. This is one of the best ways to prepare cabbage in my opinion and my family agrees.
Kielbasa Recipes
As I mentioned before, kielbasa is a staple meat in our house. Over the years, I’ve come up with dozens of ways to serve this favorite variety of sausage.
If you haven’t gathered by now, I love an easy skillet dinner. This Skillet Mexican Street Corn with Squash and Kielbasa combines the ultimate sweet and spicy corn dish with sausage in a way that blows my socks off every time I make it.
If you like garlic and potatoes as much as my family does, you should also give this Garlicky Potato Kielbasa and Green Chile Skillet meal a try. The addition of green chiles to the sausage and potatoes makes this easy dinner something special.
Along with skillet dinners, one pan sheet meals are high on my list for quick no-fuss meals. Rebecca hit it out of the ballpark with this Kielbasa and Pierogies Sheet Pan Meal.
Kielbasa Cabbage Potato Skillet
I enjoy kielbasa and cabbage on their own but this dish also includes potatoes to bring the whole thing to a different plane.
Pre-cooking the potatoes in the microwave is a great way to get this meal on the table fast. If you prefer not to use a microwave, you can boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 8-10 minutes, drain, and then add to the skillet.
I’ve made this recipe both ways and never noticed a difference in taste between microwaving and boiling.
Looking for even more Skillet Dinners?
Check out this Spicy Italian Bell Pepper Skillet and Spicy Chicken and Bacon Stir-Fry on my site. This Skillet Pasta Primavera by Flavor the Moment is another skillet recipe you are sure to love.
Sausage Egg Rolls In A Bowl is a one skillet dinner that is both packed with flavor and only takes a few minutes to make.
Mongolian Beef with Noodles, Better than Take-Out Beef and Broccoli, and Kung Pao Chicken are a few more easy stir-fry style recipes that I recommend saving in your must-try recipe collections too.
{20 Minute} Kielbasa Cabbage Potato Skillet Recipe
Kitchen Tip: I use this skillet and this spatula to make this recipe.
- Peel and chop the potatoes, rinse the potatoes and place them in a medium-size glass bowl. Sprinkle the potatoes with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, stir or toss with your hands. Microwave the potatoes for 4 minutes, stir and microwave an additional 2-4 minutes until fork tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and as soon as it’s shimmering, add the onions. Saute for a few minutes, until the onion is barely tender and lightly browned. Add the garlic and the kielbasa.
- Cook while stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes. When the potatoes are tender, add them to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a small additional drizzle of oil only if needed. Spread the potatoes across the pan and allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes, stir and continue cooking until lightly browned.
- Add the cabbage and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and the remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper. Toss to combine, add 2 tablespoons water to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the cabbage is bright green and barely wilted. Taste and add additional salt, only if needed.
{20 Minute} Kielbasa Cabbage Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes any variety, peeled and chopped into 1/-inch pieces
- ½ – 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil or light olive oil plus more only if needed
- 1 small onion chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound kielbasa sliced thin
- 1/2 medium head green cabbage sliced into ribbons, about 4 cups worth
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes, rinse the potatoes and place them in a medium-size glass bowl. Sprinkle the potatoes with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, stir or toss with your hands. Microwave the potatoes for 4 minutes, stir and microwave an additional 2-4 minutes until fork tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and as soon as it’s shimmering, add the onions. Saute for a few minutes, until the onion is barely tender and lightly browned. Add the garlic and the kielbasa. Cook while stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes. When the potatoes are tender, add them to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a small additional drizzle of oil only if needed. Spread the potatoes across the pan and allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes, stir and continue cooking until lightly browned.
- Add the cabbage and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and the remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper. Toss to combine, add 2 tablespoons water to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the cabbage is bright green and barely wilted. Taste and add additional salt, only if needed. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 11/20/16 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/3/21}
Lisa says
The flavor is great but this lacked liquid to get everything done. To brown the potatoes they were sticking to the bottom of the pan. So I added 1/4 cup of veggie broth. The cabbage is not “pan fried”, it’s steamed.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you were able to work it out, Lisa.
Sandra Williams says
This was so good! The grocery store was out of cabbage, so I chose a bag of coleslaw mix with green/red cabbage and carrots and another coleslaw mixture of broccoli, carrots and red cabbage, I folded the microwaved potatoes in and that helped steam the cabbage. I added garlic and onion. Easy, quick and everyone loved it. So healthy. Sandy, Indiana
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that it was a hit, Sandra.
Aaron House says
Hello Mary. I’m definitely going to make this tonight and I’m excited to try it, but the grocery store was out of kielbasa. Do you see any problems with substitution of smoked sausage for this recipe? Thanks
Mary Younkin says
That will work fine, Aaron.
Margie Hunter says
This is exactly the recipe I was looking for today! Thanks!
I enjoy your page, but the floating videos get in the way, and sometimes I can’t get them to disappear. I know every page does this now, but it really reduces the area on my tablet. Just my $.02.
Mary Younkin says
Hi Margie, I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipes. There should always be an option to close the recipe video on the posts. I agree that it is frustrating when you can’t close them. If you are able to grab a screenshot if you ever can’t close one, please send it to me so that I can block the ad. It’s a pet peeve of my own too. Thanks for your help!
Margie Hunter says
Thanks, Mary! This recipe was delicious!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Margie!
Connie Morgan says
What’s a serving size
Mary Younkin says
I typically just divide the skillet into 4 or 5 servings, Connie.
Steph says
Great dish, though I don’t know what universe the potatoes cook in the microwave in 4 minutes in 🙂 but other than that it comes together quickly and easily and if really tasty. It goes perfectly with artisan bread!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Steph! If you were only cooking a pound of potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, they definitely should’ve been cooked in the listed 6-8 minutes. (It’s actually 4 minutes, stir, and an additional 2-4 minutes to pre-cook the potatoes in the microwave.)
Sharon says
My hubby & I really enjoyed this recipe tonight! I used smoked sausage but will use kielbasa next time. Think it might be little more favorable. Will be making again!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you like the recipe, Sharon!
Sarah says
This was good! I followed the directions exactly. It turned out great and I had my 1 yr old screaming for food the entire time (he loved it too). My husband made a huge plate and ate it all. Thanks!
Mary Younkin says
That is awesome, Sarah! I’m so glad it was a hit.
Linda says
This was so delicious. And easy. And fast. I made it with some delicious kielbasa from Pedersen Natural Farms, organic cabbage and baby Yukon gold potatoes. Getting it in my regular rotation.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so very happy to hear that it’s a hit, Linda!
Char says
I’m sorry, but maybe i’m not up to snuff on things. Can you tell me the difference between smoked polish sausage and kielbasa? Would love to know the taste difference. I’ve never had kielbasa before, but this recipe sounds really really good and right up our alley. Thank you
Mary Younkin says
The names are interchangeable. Either one will work here.
Kate says
Just made a batch of your taco seasoning and this recipe caught my eye. Do you cover the potatoes (venting of course) while cooking in the microwave?
Mary Younkin says
I don’t usually cover them, but they will cook more quickly if you are able to do that.
JenB says
Needed a quick meal to prepare on a busy Saturday. Added hot buttered cornbread to the meal….perfect!
Husband had seconds. Two things that stood out …the browned potatoes added so much to the layers of flavor…..and cutting the cabbage in ribbons rather than my usual diced chunks was such a great idea. I usually cut cabbage in diced chunks and honestly it seemed less bitter with the ribbon cut. Plus no added sugar which I always added to balance bitterness. Twice this week , I have tried new recipes from your blog. Both successful !
Mary Younkin says
YAY! I’m so glad that you like the recipes, Jen.
Jen says
I’m diabetic and am always looking for healthy, relatively low carb meals with veggies and protein. This was easy to make for a low key evening. my 8 year old and husband weren’t fans But they don’t like cabbage and I didn’t really make it for them anyway. 😉 I added in matchstick carrots and it was delicious!!
Mary Younkin says
Glad you found a recipe you enjoy, Jen.
Rebecca A Woosley says
Can this be canned? How long to pressure can? Is there enough meat to require the full 75-90 minutes, or can you PC for the potatoes/cabbage times?
Mary Younkin says
I have no idea how that would work, Rebecca. I’ve never attempted to can something like this.
Sarah says
I made this tonight and it is now hands down one of me and my roomie’s favorites so far, 10 out of 10!
I did tweak a tad – used chicken sausage instead of kielbasa, 2 small onions instead of one, and for the potatoes, I used 3 russet potatoes cut into bite sized pieces tossed with 1 T olive oil, 1 T garlic powder, I T onion powder and 1/2 t salt – baked at 425 degrees for 20 mins and added to each dish after plated with the cabbage and sausage because honestly I need my potatoes crispy!!! So good!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled to hear that it’s a hit!
Penny says
Delicious and most satisfying meal. Quick in spite of liking my cabbage cooked to a more tender stage.
Lissa says
Made this today and it was absolutely delicious! Will definitely make it again.
Danger Kittie says
Thanks for the recipe! I updated it to our personal preferences by adding mushrooms, caraway seed, celery seed, and red pepper flakes. I overcooked my potatoes 🙁 so the texture was a bit off, but other than that, the flavors were delicious and hubby loved it. It’s just the 2 of us, so I’m going to experiment with freezing half and having the rest this week. I’ll update when I thaw out the frozen stuff. 🙂
Sarah H says
I didn’t have any onions but it still turned out perfect! I used Cajun andouille because it was all I had around and it was delicious. I’m always looking for new ways to use cabbage.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad to hear it was a hit, Sarah!
Lyra Torres says
Easy recipe to prep and cook. I love the precooked using the microwave. Also I added carrots for a little more vegetables.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like it!