Keto Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet 🥘

Name: Keto Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 13-ounces package Kiolbassa Roasted Garlic Smoked Sausage; 1 red bell pepper (diced); ½ white onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); ½ small head of cabbage (cored and chopped); 1 cup diced tomatoes; 2 cups shredded mozzarella; Sea salt (to taste); Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

by Cast Iron Keto

Updated: Feb 14,2024

62 Comments

4.61 from 98 votes

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This Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet is a great low-carb one-skillet dinner. It's packed with healthy vegetables, delicious smoked sausage, and a bit of cheesy goodness.

Keto Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet on tabletop

This Keto Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet recipe is sponsored by Kiolbassa Smoked Meats. Thank you for supporting the brands that make delicious Cast Iron Keto recipes EPIC.

In the mood for something easy and delicious? Who isn't? Well, look no further, this is a breeze to make! It's so tasty and, best of all, even easier to clean up. Personally, this is our perfect keto meal. That's because it has tons of veggies, a little bit of cheese, and a high-quality Keto Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet.

The sausage really is the star of the dish, and we could have just done a recipe for smoked sausage with peppers and onions (definitely delish), but we wanted to do something a little more casserole centric.

So, let's cook this recipe together!

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Preparation and cooking overview
Chef's note
🥘 Ingredients for this cheesy cabbage sausage skillet recipe
Ingredient substitutions
Additional ingredients
Cooking tools required
Tool substitutes list
How to make Keto Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet: step-by-step guide
Cooking methods
Preparation steps
Cooking instructions
What to serve with keto cabbage and sausage?
How to make it healthier?
Time-saving tips
Storage and reheating instructions
Recipe wrap-up & conclusion
Frequently asked questions
📖 Recipe

Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this keto sausage and cabbage recipe takes only 35 minutes. Cook sliced sausage in a cast iron skillet until browned. Then, add onion, garlic, pepper, cabbage, and tomatoes and cook until softened. Finally, top with cheese and bake in the oven for 10 minutes until bubbly and starting to brown. A low-carb cheesy cabbage casserole is ready to savor!

Chef's note

Feel free to get creative with this cheesy skillet! Add mushrooms for an earthy and meaty flavor, or have fun with baby spinach. Don't forget to add cheddar, pepper Jack or Monterey Jack for a cheesy twist to the recipe. More cheese means more fun!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 6 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Main Dish recipe.

🥘 Ingredients for this cheesy cabbage sausage skillet recipe

To make a delicious batch of keto smoked sausage and cabbage, you will need the following ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 (13-ounces) package Kiolbassa Roasted Garlic Smoked Sausage
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ small head of cabbage, cored and chopped
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Ingredient substitutions

Unsalted butter: Replace the butter with coconut or avocado oil for a dairy-free option.
Kiolbassa sausages: They are free from preservatives, gluten, MSG, fillers, and cereals. If you can't find them in your local grocery store, you can use other keto-friendly, sugar-free, and nitrate-free smoked sausages made with quality meat.
Mozzarella cheese: Swap mozzarella with shredded Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or cheddar cheese for a robust cheesy flavor.

Additional ingredients

Add more flavor and texture to your Keto Sausage And Cabbage Skillet with these optional ingredients:

Fresh herbs: Add some freshness and aroma with chopped basil, cilantro, or fresh parsley.
Bell peppers: Boost flavor and add vibrant color by incorporating diced yellow and orange bell peppers.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms complement the dish with an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
Spinach: Toss in some fresh spinach leaves for added nutrients and vibrant green color.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to elevate the heat level.
Parmesan cheese: Grate some Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness and a savory taste.
Bacon: Sprinkle some cooked bacon over the skillet before baking, and enjoy enriched flavors!

Cooking tools required

To make Keto Cabbage and Sausage Recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

10.5" or large cast iron skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Spatula or wooden spoon
Serving platter or dish
Measuring cups

Tool substitutes list

Cast iron skillet: If you don't have a large cast iron skillet, use an oven-safe baking dish, a Dutch oven, or a stainless steel skillet.

How to make Keto Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

Pan-searing
Baking

Preparation steps

Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe.
Measure them in precise quantities.
Wash the vegetables.
Dice the onions and mince the garlic.
Core and chop the cabbage.
Shred the mozzarella cheese if not already shredded.
Slice the sausage to desired thickness.

Cooking instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat the butter in a 10.5" or larger cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, pepper, and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and top with shredded cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Chef's pro tip

Don't overcrowd the skillet. Cook the sausage in batches if you don't have a large skillet. Doing this allows sufficient space for the sausages to brown and caramelize evenly. This simple step results in a flavorful and well-textured dish.

What to serve with keto cabbage and sausage?

Looking to elevate your meal? Here are some keto-friendly dishes that pair well with this Keto Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet:

Keto bread: For a complete meal, serve the skillet with a side of keto bread, such as our Keto Dinner Rolls or Keto Seaded Bread.
Keto grilled vegetables: One of the best things you can enjoy with a casserole is Grilled Vegetables since they add so much flavor and texture.
Greek salad: A side of delicious Greek Salad adds freshness to the whole recipe, so don't forget to try it.
Brussels sprouts: This crunchy Brussels Sprout With Bacon gives our cabbage and sausage recipe a flavor pop.
Keto asparagus: Present your skillet with a side of Cheesy Asparagus and enjoy the rich flavor of this green veggie.
Chicken soup: For a depth of flavor, serve your cabbage skillet with a bowl of Turmeric Chicken Soup. It's a classic comfort food and pairs well with the skillet recipes.

How to make it healthier?

Reduce sodium: Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of ingredients like butter, sausage, and cheese to lower the overall sodium content of the dish.
Increase vegetable ratio: Add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, kale, or broccoli to boost the nutritional profile and fiber content.
Use low-fat cheese: If you prefer to lower the fat content, you can opt for reduced-fat or low-fat cheese versions. This will help reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the recipe.

Time-saving tips

Use pre-cooked sausage: If you're short on time, opt for pre-cooked sausage instead of raw sausage. It will eliminate the need for browning and reduce the cooking time.
Utilize pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cook in larger batches: Double the recipe and cook a large quantity. Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Allow the skillet to cool completely before storing any leftovers. Transfer them into an airtight container or cover the skillet tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Note: We don't recommend freezing as it changes the texture and taste of the recipe.

Reheating tips

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet or the portion you wish to reheat in the oven and heat until warmed, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer a portion of the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a vent. Heat for short intervals, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.
Stovetop: Transfer the skillet or a portion of the leftovers to a skillet or saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Note: Avoid reheating the dish multiple times, as it can result in overcooked or dry cabbage. It's best to heat only the portion you plan to consume and store the rest for later use.

Recipe wrap-up & conclusion

This Keto Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet is a delicious and satisfying low-carb meal. It combines healthy vegetables, smoked sausages, and a cheesy twist. Whether you're following a keto diet or simply looking for a flavorful and nutritious dish, this skillet recipe will surely please you.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and indulge in a cheesy skillet experience.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, kielbasa can be keto-friendly, depending on the ingredients used. Look for kielbasa made with high-quality meats that do not contain added sugars or fillers. Always check the nutrition label to ensure it is keto-friendly.

If you're using smoked sausage free from added sugars and fillers, it is totally okay to have them on a keto diet. It's important to check the nutrition label and choose a brand that aligns with your keto goals.

Yes, you can try using other keto-friendly proteins like chicken, turkey, or tofu.

Certainly! You can replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives like vegetarian or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.

To control the spiciness, you can use mild or spicy sausage varieties or add spices like chili powder or red pepper flakes, according to your preference.

Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.

📖 Recipe