Irresistible 30-Minute Low Carb Sausage, Peppers, and Cabbage Skillet

You know those nights when you just need something quick, filling, and delicious without all the fuss? That’s exactly why I make this Low Carb Sausage, Peppers, and Cabbage Skillet on repeat! It’s my go-to when I want a hearty meal that won’t weigh me down. One pan, simple ingredients, and barely any cleanup – what’s not to love? The combo of smoky sausage, sweet peppers, and tender cabbage is downright comforting, and it’s packed with flavor without all the carbs. Trust me, this skillet dinner’s so good, it’ll make you forget you’re even eating low carb!

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Sausage, Peppers, and Cabbage Skillet

Oh, where do I even start? This skillet is my weeknight superhero! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

• One-pan wonder – Less dishes means more time for, well, anything but scrubbing pans
• Ready in 30 minutes flat – Faster than takeout on a busy night
• Crazy satisfying – Hearty enough to please even the biggest appetites
• Low carb magic – All the comfort without the carb crash
• Leftover gold – Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long!)

Seriously, this dish checks all the boxes – easy, delicious, and good for you. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Low Carb Sausage, Peppers, and Cabbage Skillet

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed skillet happen. I’m a stickler for fresh ingredients – trust me, it makes all the difference!

• 1 lb smoked sausage (I use kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch coins for perfect bite-sized pieces)
• 1 medium onion (yellow or white, sliced thin – this is where the sweetness comes from!)
• 1 bell pepper (any color you like, but I’m partial to red for that extra pop of color)
• 4 cups shredded cabbage (about 1 small head, or grab pre-shredded to save time)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff for sautéing all that goodness)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (my secret weapon for instant flavor)
• ½ tsp salt (I use kosher – adjust to your taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)

See? Nothing fancy, just simple ingredients that work magic together in the pan. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Low Carb Sausage, Peppers, and Cabbage Skillet

Okay, friend, here’s where the magic happens! This skillet comes together so easily – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have dinner ready in no time. I’ve made this dozens of times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to get it just right.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

First things first – grab your favorite large skillet (I use my trusty cast iron) and heat that olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your sliced sausage. Now here’s my little secret: don’t crowd the pan! Give those sausage coins some breathing room so they get nice and browned instead of steaming. Cook them for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they’ve got that beautiful golden color we all love. That browning equals flavor, my friend!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next up – the veggies! Toss in your sliced onions and bell peppers. I love this part because the kitchen starts smelling incredible. Cook them with the sausage for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften just a bit but still have some crunch. This is when all those flavors start mingling beautifully!

Step 3: Add Cabbage and Seasonings

Now for the grand finale! Pile in that shredded cabbage and sprinkle all your seasonings right on top. The cabbage will seem like a lot at first, but don’t worry – it wilts down like magic. Stir everything together and let it cook for 8-10 minutes. You’ll want to stir every couple minutes to make sure nothing sticks. The cabbage is perfect when it’s tender but still has a little bite – no one likes mushy cabbage! Taste and adjust the salt if needed, then dig in while it’s hot.

See? Told you it was easy! One pan, three simple steps, and you’ve got a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for the Perfect Low Carb Sausage, Peppers, and Cabbage Skillet

After making this skillet more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to wow:

• Pre-shredded cabbage is your friend – Saves so much time on busy nights (just grab the fresh stuff, not the soggy coleslaw mix!)
• Don’t skip the browning – Those crispy edges on the sausage add amazing flavor
• Season as you go – I add a pinch of salt with each veggie layer for even flavor
• Keep it moving – Stir occasionally so nothing sticks or burns
• Taste before serving – Sometimes it needs an extra sprinkle of garlic powder or pepper

Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!

Variations for Your Low Carb Sausage, Peppers, and Cabbage Skillet

Oh, the possibilities! This skillet is like a blank canvas – here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up:

• Switch up the protein – Try turkey sausage or chicken apple sausage for a lighter twist
• Add more veggies – Mushrooms or zucchini slices are delicious additions
• Kick up the heat – A pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for spice lovers
• Go cheesy – A handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan at the end never hurts!

The best part? You really can’t mess this up – have fun making it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Low Carb Sausage, Peppers, and Cabbage Skillet

This skillet is practically a meal on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it up: pile it over fluffy cauliflower rice to soak up all those delicious juices, or keep it light with a crisp side salad. Sometimes I’ll just grab a fork and eat it straight from the pan – no judgment here!

Storing and Reheating Low Carb Sausage, Peppers, and Cabbage Skillet

Here’s the best part about this skillet – it might taste even better as leftovers! Just pop any extras into an airtight container (I love my glass ones for this) and they’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, you’ve got options: reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep that perfect texture, or zap it in the microwave for a minute if you’re in a hurry. Pro tip – sprinkle a tiny splash of water over it before microwaving to keep everything moist and delicious!

Nutritional Information for Low Carb Sausage, Peppers, and Cabbage Skillet

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each hearty serving (about ¼ of the skillet). Remember, these numbers can vary depending on your specific ingredients – especially the type of sausage you use. My nutritionist friend gave me the thumbs up on this being a solid low-carb option!

• Calories: 320
• Carbs: 10g (3g fiber)
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 24g

Not too shabby for something that tastes this good, right? Always check your specific ingredients if you’re tracking macros closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cabbage instead of fresh?
You bet! Frozen cabbage works in a pinch, but it’ll release more water as it cooks. Just thaw and squeeze out excess liquid before adding it to the skillet. Fresh cabbage gives better texture, but we’ve all been there on those “forgot to grocery shop” nights!

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! With only 10g net carbs per serving, this skillet fits perfectly into most keto meal plans. Just double check your sausage’s nutrition label – some brands add sneaky sugars. I stick with simple smoked kielbasa to keep it clean.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Oh yes! In fact, the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat gently in a skillet (microwave works too, but the veggies stay crisper on the stove). It keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge – if it lasts that long!

What if I don’t have a large skillet?
No worries! You can cook the sausage first, then remove it and cook the veggies in batches. Just combine everything at the end. It might take a few extra minutes, but the result will be just as delicious.

For more low-carb recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest!

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