Experience the comforting warmth of a hearty one-pan meal where tender cabbage, savory sausage, and fluffy potatoes come together in a fragrant tomato-basil sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and satisfy your soul on any weeknight.
Simple to prepare yet full of rich, layered taste, this meal is ideal for those who crave a wholesome yet easy dinner option. The gentle simmering melds the ingredients beautifully, making every bite a cozy delight.
- One-pan cooking saves time and cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Balanced flavors from savory sausage and fresh, herbaceous tomato-basil sauce.
- Comforting and filling, with nutrient-rich cabbage and potatoes.
Ingredients
- Sausage (500 g / 1 lb): Choose kielbasa, smoked, or your favorite sausage for a smoky, savory backbone to the dish.
- Small Head of Cabbage: Coarsely chopped to provide tender, slightly sweet layers after simmering.
- Medium Potatoes (3–4, peeled and diced): Adds fluffy texture and heartiness that absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Small Onion (sliced): Brings a slight sweetness and crunch when softened in the pan.
- Garlic Cloves (2–3, minced): Imparts a fragrant depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing, adding smooth richness and preventing sticking.
- Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 400 g / 14 oz): Forms the flavorful tomato base of the sauce, rich and slightly chunky.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, optional): Adds texture variation and extra juicy freshness to the sauce.
- Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon, optional): Concentrates the tomato flavor for a richer, deeper sauce.
- Dried Basil (1 teaspoon) or Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons): Provides bright, herbaceous notes essential to the sauce’s aroma.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, slightly peppery undertone complementing the basil.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers mild heat and aromatic complexity.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful red hue to the sauce.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (½ cup, as needed): Keeps the sauce fluid and helps cook the potatoes and cabbage evenly.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish when sprinkled on top.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional garnish): Provides a nutty, salty finish that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat to warm the pan. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on all sides, which develops caramelization and deepens the sausage flavor. Remove it from the pan and set aside to keep the pan ready for vegetables.
- Cook the Vegetables
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In the same pan, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant to avoid burning and overpowering bitterness. Then add the chopped cabbage and diced potatoes, cooking 5–7 minutes while stirring occasionally to slightly soften and start blending flavors.
- Add the Sauce
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (if using), and tomato paste to enrich the sauce. Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika to build layers of herbal and smoky flavor. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth as needed to loosen the sauce, which helps the vegetables cook thoroughly without drying out.
- Simmer Until Tender
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Return the browned sausage pieces to the pan, distributing them evenly. Bring the contents to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 15–20 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften completely and the cabbage to become tender while all flavors meld beautifully. Stir occasionally and add more broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Serve and Garnish
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Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley to brighten each bite. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, salty contrast. This meal pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over steamed rice for a wholesome dinner.
- The dish is versatile: add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust spice levels by including red pepper flakes or hot sauce to suit your taste buds.
- Using smoked turkey sausage or kielbasa can change flavor profiles and reduce fat content.
- This meal keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully on the stovetop.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to preserve texture and flavor, adding a splash of broth if needed to renew sauce consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with crusty artisan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce or pair it with steamed rice for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent complementary sides.
- Brown the sausage well for enhanced flavor and a pleasing texture contrast in the dish.
- Simmer gently to ensure potatoes cook evenly without breaking down and to keep cabbage tender but intact.
- Fresh herbs added at the end of cooking preserve brightness and aroma, elevating the final presentation.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of sausage?
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Yes, smoked turkey sausage, kielbasa, or pork sausage work well depending on your flavor preference and dietary needs.
- What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh basil?
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Dried basil can be used instead; just add it earlier in cooking to allow flavors to develop. Fresh basil can be added as garnish.
- Can this recipe be made vegan?
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Yes, substitute sausage with plant-based vegan sausage and use vegetable broth for a completely plant-based meal.
- How do I make this spicier?
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Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some smoked paprika to bring heat and smoky complexity.
- Is it okay to use unpeeled potatoes?
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Yes, leaving the skin on adds texture, nutrients, and visual appeal. Just ensure you wash the potatoes thoroughly before dicing.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
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Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store refrigerated and reheat gently before serving.
Cabbage Potatoes Sausage Tomato-Basil
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or Dutch oven for sautéing and simmering
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage kielbasa or smoked, sliced
- 1 small head cabbage coarsely chopped
- 3 to 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste optional
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth as needed
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped (optional garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook 4 to 5 minutes until browned, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped cabbage and diced potatoes, cooking 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (if using), tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour in broth to loosen the sauce and help vegetables cook.
- Return browned sausage to the pan, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cabbage is soft.
- Stir occasionally, adding more broth if sauce becomes too thick.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase spice level.
- Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be added for more variety.
- Substitute with smoked turkey sausage or different kielbasa types.
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days and reheat gently on stovetop.
