Transform simple green cabbage into a comforting, flavor-packed side dish with this Smothered Green Cabbage recipe. Gently simmered with buttery sautéed onions, garlic, and the smoky richness of bacon or sausage, this dish achieves perfect tenderness as it soaks up a savory blend of chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. A hint of red pepper flakes adds optional heat, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a cozy holiday side, this one-pan recipe is ready in under an hour and pairs beautifully with roasted meats or cornbread. Packed with hearty flavors and seasonal charm, smothered green cabbage is a must-try twist on a classic comfort food.
Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage and cut it into quarters. Slice out the core from each quarter, then chop the cabbage into 1-inch pieces.
Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil.
Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
If using smoked sausage or bacon, add it to the skillet at this point. Cook until browned and slightly crisped, about 5-6 minutes.
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, tossing to combine with the onions, garlic, and meat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage starts to wilt.
Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cabbage simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the cabbage is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Calories |
1240 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 94.6 g | 121% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.1 g | 196% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 195 mg | 65% | |
| Sodium | 4645 mg | 202% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 75.8 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.6 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.7 g | ||
| Protein | 36.1 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 478 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 2405 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.