Pin it A hearty, comforting skillet dish featuring smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and sweet cabbage, all pan-fried to golden perfection—a cozy meal inspired by rustic Midwestern traditions.
This skillet plate always brings warmth to our family dinners and reminds me of home cooking in the Midwest.
Ingredients
- Smoked kielbasa sausage: 14 oz (400 g), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Green bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
- Green cabbage: 3 cups (about ½ head), thinly sliced
- Yukon Gold potatoes: 1 lb (450 g), diced into ½-inch cubes
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Dried thyme: ½ tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Kosher salt: ¾ tsp plus more to taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Whole-grain mustard or sour cream: for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the kielbasa slices and cook until browned on both sides 4–5 minutes. Remove kielbasa from the pan and set aside.
- Step 2:
- Add remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Stir in diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and starting to soften, about 8–10 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the sliced cabbage, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is wilted and tender, about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Return the browned kielbasa to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 6:
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot, with mustard or sour cream if desired.
Pin it This recipe has become a beloved family tradition we enjoy on chilly weekends together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with rye bread or crusty rolls for a complete rustic meal and pair with a crisp lager or a dry Riesling.
Allergen Information
Contains milk/dairy from butter. Gluten-free as written please confirm kielbasa is gluten-free and free of other allergens as needed. Always check sausage and other pre-packaged ingredients for allergen statements.
Equipment Needed
Large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula.
Pin it 
This rustic skillet plate is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage is used in this dish?
Smoked kielbasa sausage sliced into half-inch rounds provides a rich, smoky flavor that complements the vegetables.
- → Can I substitute the potatoes?
Yes, you can swap Yukon Gold potatoes for red or sweet potatoes to add a different texture and flavor.
- → How do you cook the cabbage without it becoming soggy?
Cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring frequently, until just wilted and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes, to maintain a good texture.
- → What spices enhance this skillet dish?
Smoked paprika, dried thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt bring out the deep flavors in the dish.
- → Can this meal be made gluten-free?
Yes, ensure the kielbasa is gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients naturally contain no gluten.
- → What sides pair well with this skillet plate?
Rye bread or crusty rolls complement the dish nicely, and a crisp lager or dry Riesling enhances the meal experience.