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}
Paul welsh says
Cooking has become new hobby since retirement, really enjoy your recipes. 😏
Mary Younkin says
Thank you, Paul. I am glad you find them helpful. Congratulations on your retirement.
Beth says
Absolutely delicious next time I would probably add some carrots but this will be a family go to meal we didn’t have a scrap leftover!!
Mary Younkin says
That is awesome Beth!
Macaela Conder says
Potatoes in the microwave. Did not work for me. Not soft at all
Mary Younkin says
They will be slightly soft but not completely as they finish cooking in the skillet.
Reggie says
I’ve made this twice now. First time I made it as written. Second time, added carrots to my potatoes. Nuked them together. My family loves this. Thank you for sharing.
Mary Younkin says
That is great Reggie! I am delighted your family enjoyed it. Carrots are a great addition.
Ilmu Komunikasi says
For processed cabbage potatoes, how long can it last at room temperature?
Mary Younkin says
I am not a fan of leaving a dish sitting out at room temperature. I serve it immediately when it is ready and then refrigerate any leftovers.
Debbie Routhier says
My name is Debbie.
I have had heart failure more than once now, and a special diet is what I am on
1200 ml of fluids daily that takes anything that melts like butter etc….
I have to watch my salt intake big time and am not allowed to use it unless in foods naturally so baking will need to, but for other foods have to use different spices with no salt.
So my question is can I use other spices and stuff like Dash three ingredients and other companies that do not use salt instead, and would it change the receipt too much or taste?
All the recipes look so darn good can’t wait to do some of them.
Mary Younkin says
Aww, Debbie, I hope your health continues to improve. I am not a dietician just someone who loves cooking and creating recipes. I would suggest taking some of your favorites you find here to your dietician or nutritionist. They will have the best suggestions for changes that will fit your diet.
Lisa A. Hudson says
really good. and so easy. reminded me of a cabbage dish my great grandmother made. but without the caraway seeds. definitely making again.
Mary Younkin says
I am delighted you enjoyed it, Lisa.
Giuseppa Bodnar says
This was delicious
Mary Younkin says
Thank you, Giuseppa. I am delighted you enjoyed it.
Juanita says
I accidentally bought andouille sausage instead of kielbasa. Do you think that will be ok?
Mary Younkin says
Yes, it will work fine, Juanita.
Holly Cook says
Amazing!!! I peeled, diced and cooked my potatoes first in a shallow boil/Sautee, then removed and started at step 2; (also: 1) used a little Greek seasoning and 2) soaked my slithered cabbage in some vinegar and seasonings, then rinsed before adding to pot), along with cooking the cabbage a tad longer… but, the recipe is amazing. Simple, fast, but loaded with flavor and possibilities!
Mary Younkin says
I am delighted you loved it, Holly.
Terri Mc says
Oh yum! A comfort food meal, warm and hearty, and tasty! One could have some fun with spices. Imagine it with sweet smoked paprika! Still basic is just so good
Mary Younkin says
Smoked paprika would be quite tasty, Terri!
Cliff says
I added a can of diced tomatoes and egg noodles and boy was that good…Yummy!!!
Mary Younkin says
Sounds quite good, Cliff.
Lisa says
Glad to hear this. I wanted to add noodles too 👍
Mary Younkin says
Noodles are a great addition, Lisa.
Betty says
I loved it.
Mary Younkin says
That is fantastic, Betty. So happy to hear it.
Cathy says
This dish is amazing and kid approved! Definitely on rotation in our house. Thank you.
Mary Younkin says
Horray for kid approved! Something we all cheer about as moms. Thank you for sharing, Cathy.
Danny Daloo says
To be honest, I did not find this dish interesting at all. When it came to reheating the leftovers today, I doused it in honey mustard sauce, which was a substantial improvement. It would probably be even better if the sauce was homemade, rather than out of a jar, as mine was.
Mary Younkin says
Feel free to customize as you like, Danny.
Nancy Anderson says
Just wanted to say, THANK YOU for adding in cooking the potatoes in the microwave. I have made this recipe for years, with Kielbasa and with just plain smoked sausage, pork and or beef. But I have always cooked the potatoes on the stove, boiling them. I have been cooking like this for so many years, that I sometimes forget the convenience of using the microwave. Thank you for the reminder. This will cut a few steps off of an already quick dinner. My husband and grown son, LOVE this meal. Now I think I will love it even more. I have been coming to your website for quite a while now and I learn a lot of tricks and tips, and also have learned to use MORE seasoning in things like garlic, and jalapenos. My family said to thank you for them too. I’m no longer a “bland” cook.
Mary Younkin says
YES, to all the seasonings, Nancy. I admit I have had to teach myself that as well. It makes a world of difference!
LaVon Atchley says
This was good. My husband is never big on new recipes but he loved this. Asked to have it again. Went on and on about it. Such good flavor.
Mary Younkin says
I am so happy your husband liked the recipe. It’s been a favorite dinner of ours for a long time.
Tacey says
This was really yummy. My husband enjoyed it too. He was happy with the salt level especially. I went by the recipe so it had a perfect amount for him. I usually put less in foods since I deal with high blood pressure. I doubled the recipe so I did have to increase the cooking times for everything, especially the time that the potatoes were in the microwave. It was a great way for me to use some cabbage from my garden. Looking forward to leftovers. Thanks for the recipe! 😊
Mary Younkin says
You are welcome! I’m so glad you and your husband loved the skillet, and that you were able to use some fresh cabbage from the garden. Enjoy the leftover, and happy cooking!
Donna says
Hi Ms. Mary, I’m making This recipe right now. It smells delightful. What do you think a Balsamic vinegar finish for a little extra flavor?
Mary Younkin says
Hi, Donna! I haven’t tried that before, but it sounds delicious. If you decided to try the balsamic vinegar finish, please, let me know how it turned out! Happy cooking.
Kitty Riggs says
Love this recipe. Funny thing is, hadn’t shopped in a while, but had Cabbage, kielbas, and just pulled up my very first potatoes from my garden, so Googled recipe for those 3. I’m apparently not very original!
Made your recipe but added Cheddar Cheese on top while simmering as my family loves cheese. Goooooly. Lip-smackin good.
Thank you for this recipe
Mary Younkin says
You are welcome, Kitty! I’m so glad you loved the cabbage skillet. Enjoy, and happy cooking!