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Old-Fashioned Cabbage with Peppers, Onion, Sausage, and Bacon
There’s something deeply comforting about a skillet full of well-seasoned cabbage, smoky sausage, crisp bacon, and sweet peppers. This dish takes humble ingredients and transforms them into an old-fashioned, stick-to-your-ribs meal — just like grandma used to make. Perfect for a cozy dinner, quick lunch, or rustic side dish, this hearty skillet recipe combines rich, savory flavor with ease and simplicity.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal for easy cleanup
- Packed with flavor and texture
- Low-carb and keto-friendly
- Affordable and made with pantry staples
- Delicious as a main course or hearty side
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon drippings
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add the sliced sausage to the hot bacon grease and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a little olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion and bell peppers until softened and slightly caramelized, about 6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well, cover partially, and let it cook down for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the sausage and bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together, adjust the seasoning, and add a splash of apple cider vinegar if using. Cook for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it in many ways depending on your preferences or diet:
- Over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
- With crusty bread or cornbread
- Topped with a fried egg for brunch
- Over steamed rice or quinoa
- On its own for a low-carb/keto meal
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 60-second intervals until heated through. This dish also freezes well — just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving - Approx.)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
Tips & Variations
- Use red cabbage for a colorful twist.
- Add carrots or celery for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Try hot sausage if you love a kick of heat.
- Swap bacon for pancetta or ham bits if desired.
- For a vegan version, use vegan sausage and coconut bacon.
What Makes This Recipe "Old-Fashioned"?
This recipe mirrors what many rural American kitchens offered in generations past — cabbage straight from the garden, sausage or bacon from the smokehouse, and onions and peppers for a touch of color and sweetness. The simplicity, frugality, and flavor make it timeless.
History of Cabbage and Sausage in Traditional Cooking
Throughout Eastern Europe, the American South, and many farming communities, cabbage and sausage were go-to staples. Smoked meats were preserved for long winters, and cabbage was one of the few hearty vegetables that could survive the cold. Combining the two created a rich, nourishing dish that warmed the body and soul.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Cabbage with Peppers, Onion, Sausage, and Bacon is more than just a recipe — it's a slice of heritage. It represents generations of practical, flavorful cooking made with what was on hand. It's budget-friendly, delicious, and easy to prepare.
Whether you're revisiting flavors from your childhood or exploring rustic recipes for the first time, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Serve it up with pride and enjoy every bite!