Looking for a satisfying, low-carb meal that's quick to prepare and easy to clean up? Keto cabbage and sausage recipes are the perfect solution! These dishes combine the nutritional benefits of cabbage with the savory flavor of sausage, creating a hearty and delicious meal that fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle. Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be used to create a variety of keto-friendly dishes. Its mild flavor makes it an excellent base for absorbing the rich flavors of sausage and other ingredients.
Keto Cabbage Soup
This cheesy and comforting Keto Cabbage Soup is loaded with sliced smoked sausage, diced tomatoes, and cabbage, making it perfect for chilly nights. It's a cozy and easy-to-make dinner option, especially when staying home.
Ingredients
- Smoked Sausage (check labels for low sugar content)
- Cabbage
- Cream Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese
- Ro*Tel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken Stock
Instructions
- Sauté diced onion and sliced smoked sausage in a soup pot until the sausage is browned for extra flavor.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add chicken stock, cabbage, and Ro*Tel to the pot and stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Melt cream cheese in the microwave until soft and easy to stir. Add it to the soup and stir well.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until everything is creamy, melty, and well combined.
This soup pairs well with cauliflower breadsticks, keto cheddar bay biscuits, or garlic bread chaffles.
Storage
Store the soup in the fridge for 3-4 days. If separation occurs, stir well during and after reheating. Freezing is not recommended due to the cabbage's texture.
Crockpot Option
To adapt this recipe for a crockpot, sauté the sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet first. Then, cook on high for 4 hours, checking periodically.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Choosing the Right Sausage
Johnsonville Smoked Sausage is a good option with just 2 net carbs per 2-ounce serving. Always check labels to avoid sausages with added sugars and fillers.
Keto Sausage and Cabbage Hash
This Keto Sausage and Cabbage Breakfast Hash is a hearty and protein-packed breakfast option that can be prepared quickly. It's a great way to break out of an egg rut and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Smoked Sausage
- Cabbage
- Butter
- Garlic
- Spices
- Eggs
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or cooking spray.
- Brown sliced smoked sausage until lightly crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add butter, garlic, chopped cabbage, and spices to the skillet and stir well.
- Fry cabbage to your desired tenderness. For a crunchy texture, cook for 3-4 minutes; for a more tender texture, cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir until heated through.
- In another skillet, cook eggs to your preference (sunny side up recommended).
- Top the Keto Sausage Hash with the egg.
This breakfast hash is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop.
One-Pan Keto Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
This one-pan dish is a quick and easy way to enjoy a hearty, low-carb meal with minimal cleanup. It's perfect for busy weeknights and offers a lot of flavor with smoky BBQ notes.
Ingredients
- Smoked Sausage (beef, chicken, kielbasa, andouille, Polish, or turkey sausage)
- Green Cabbage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butter
- Water or Broth
- Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the smoked sausage and sauté in a large skillet until golden brown. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Add chopped cabbage, diced onion, minced garlic, and butter to the skillet.
- Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
- Uncover, stir well, and add water or broth. Cover again and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid, stir the cabbage, and add more water if needed. Cook for 5 more minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Return the sausage to the skillet.
- Add the sugar-free BBQ sauce and stir together.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes at the end. This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Keto Fried Cabbage with Sausage
This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is a hearty and savory one-pot meal that highlights the versatility of cabbage in a low-carb diet.
Ingredients
- Bacon
- Smoked Sausage
- Cabbage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butter
- Salt and Pepper
- Red Pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Cook sliced bacon in a cast-iron skillet until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, keeping the bacon fat in the pan.
- Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper (if using) and cook until fragrant.
- Add sliced sausage to pan and cook until heated through and lightly browned.
- Add cabbage to pan and toss to coat with the butter/onion mixture. Add salt and pepper.
- Continue cooking until cabbage is tender and lightly browned, 10-15 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a St. Patrick’s Day feast. It can also be frozen for meal prep.
Additional Tips and Information
Is Cabbage Keto-Friendly?
Yes, cabbage is an excellent vegetable for the keto diet. It has a mild flavor and is low in carbs, making it a versatile ingredient for various recipes. One cup of fried cabbage contains approximately 6.5 total grams of carbs, with 2.5 grams of fiber, resulting in only 4 grams of net carbs.
What to Serve with Fried Cabbage?
While sausage is a perfect pairing, fried cabbage is versatile and can be served with various proteins, such as pan-seared filet, grilled chicken, hamburger steak, salmon, or other types of sausage like andouille or Italian sausage.
How to Cook Cabbage
For this fried cabbage recipe, the sausage is cooked separately, allowing you to cook the cabbage to your preferred texture. Pan-searing cabbage for 10-12 minutes on medium-high heat will result in a slightly al-dente texture. For a super tender and soft texture, cook it longer. Avoid heads of cabbage with wilted or yellowing outer leaves. Store cabbage in the vegetable crisper in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
Variations and Customizations
- Type of Sausage: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as kielbasa, andouille, or chicken sausage.
- Spice Level: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
- Vegetables: Include other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Cheese: Add different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a cheesier flavor.