This Hearty Cabbage Skillet is comfort food at its best—savory, satisfying, and packed with bold, rich flavor. Combining sautéed bacon and sausage with tender cabbage, colorful vegetables, and a luscious egg-based creamy sauce, this dish is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for dinner any day of the week. It’s protein-packed, full of nutrients, and a great way to use up cabbage in a flavorful, satisfying way.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this cabbage skillet delivers warmth, nostalgia, and depth in every bite. The finishing touch? A velvety mayo-sour cream sauce seasoned to perfection with paprika, vinegar, Worcestershire, and fresh dill.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 6
Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired / Comfort Food
Ingredients
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200 g (7 oz) bacon, chopped
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900 g (31.8 oz) cabbage, chopped
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Boiling water (enough to soak cabbage)
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5 tbsp soy sauce
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450 g (15.9 oz) sausage, sliced
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1 yellow onion, diced
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1 red onion, sliced
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1 carrot, shredded or julienned
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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2 cloves of garlic, minced
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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Onion powder, to taste
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Vegetable oil, for sautéing
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2 boiled eggs, chopped
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100 g (3.5 oz) mayonnaise
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100 g (3.5 oz) sour cream
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp grape vinegar
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Ground paprika, to taste
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Garlic powder, to taste
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Onion powder, to taste
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Fresh dill, chopped
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Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Prepare the cabbage
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Pour over boiling water and add 5 tbsp soy sauce. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes to soften and absorb flavor. Drain well and set aside.
Cook the bacon and sausage
In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook the sliced sausage until browned. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
Sauté the vegetables
In the same pan, add a splash of vegetable oil. Sauté both the yellow and red onions for 3–4 minutes until they soften. Add the carrot and bell peppers. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the cabbage
Add the drained cabbage to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir to combine with the vegetables. Cover and let simmer for 15–20 minutes until cabbage is tender.
Prepare the creamy egg sauce
In a small bowl, mash or finely chop the boiled eggs. Mix with mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, grape vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt and pepper, and fresh dill.
Combine everything
Add the cooked bacon and sausage back into the skillet. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir to coat evenly. Simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Garnish and serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional dill before serving. Enjoy hot as a main course.
Nutritional Information (per serving – based on 6 servings)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 20g
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Fat: 32g
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 6g
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Sodium: 820mg
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Vitamin A: 55% DV
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Vitamin C: 90% DV
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Calcium: 8% DV
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Iron: 15% DV
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Cabbage has long been a staple in Eastern European, German, and Russian cuisine. Its ability to soak up flavor and deliver hearty texture makes it ideal for stews and skillet meals. Pairing it with cured meats like sausage and bacon creates a filling, comforting dish that feels both rustic and satisfying.
With the modern rise of one-pan meals and low-carb recipes, this skillet has found new fans across the globe. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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One-pan convenience – less mess, more flavor
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Layered and balanced – smoky meats, sweet vegetables, creamy sauce
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Flexible and forgiving – add or swap ingredients based on what you have
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Filling and protein-rich – a true main course
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Comforting but light enough for lunch or dinner
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Great for leftovers – even better the next day
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Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
Health Benefits
While indulgent in flavor, this recipe also offers many nutrients:
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Cabbage is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C & K
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Carrots and bell peppers add beta-carotene and immune support
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Eggs and dairy provide healthy fats and protein
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Garlic and onions offer natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting compounds
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Fresh herbs like dill and parsley detoxify and brighten flavor
Serving Suggestions
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Serve alone as a one-dish meal with crusty bread on the side
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Top with grated cheese or fried egg for added richness
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Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta for a hearty plate
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Pair with a crisp salad or pickled vegetables for balance
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Add hot sauce or chili flakes for heat
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Enjoy as a filling for stuffed peppers or wraps
Cooking Tips
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Soaking the cabbage in soy sauce adds flavor and breaks it down faster
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Cook bacon first to render fat and flavor the skillet
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Use two types of onion for both sweetness and savory complexity
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Don’t rush the simmer – letting the cabbage soften slowly creates depth
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Use hard mozzarella or gouda if you’d like to add cheese
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Let sauce thicken uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian version – replace meats with mushrooms and beans
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Spicy version – add chili powder or sliced jalapeños
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Cheesy bake – transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake
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Add grains – stir in cooked quinoa or rice for extra bulk
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Sweet and sour – add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a bit of sugar or honey
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Use red cabbage for a colorful twist
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Swap sausage for ground beef or turkey
Conclusion
This Hearty Cabbage Skillet is more than just a dinner recipe—it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. The rich combination of smoky bacon, tender sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy herb sauce turns humble ingredients into something memorable and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or simply cooking a comforting weeknight meal, this dish delivers on all fronts—flavor, nutrition, and heart.
FAQ
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Cool completely, then portion and freeze for up to 2 months.
3. What sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or bratwurst all work well. Even spicy sausage adds a nice kick.
4. Can I omit the bacon?
Yes, just use more sausage or replace with mushrooms for a vegetarian touch.
5. Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is naturally low-carb and high in healthy fats.
6. Can I use cabbage without soaking it?
Yes, but soaking softens it and helps it cook more evenly and quickly.
7. What can I use instead of grape vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work well.
8. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, but full-fat Greek yogurt is best for a creamy texture.
9. Is it spicy?
Not unless you make it that way. Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for heat.
10. What’s the best pan to use?
A large, deep skillet or sauté pan works best. Cast iron is ideal if available.