Golden Cabbage and Kielbasa in Mustard Cream Sauce

Tender, golden cabbage and browned kielbasa come together in a rich mustard cream sauce for a comforting skillet dinner. This creamy cabbage and kielbasa dish gets a tangy kick from brown mustard, while the cabbage develops a little caramelization for extra flavor. It’s a satisfying, low-carb meal made with everyday ingredients.

Golden Cabbage and Kielbasa in Mustard Cream Sauce

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Tender, lightly caramelized cabbage and browned kielbasa tossed in a rich, tangy mustard cream sauce. A hearty, low-carb skillet dinner with simple ingredients.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 8 oz low-carb kielbasa or sausage sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 oz onion approximately 1 medium onion, minced
• 2 pounds green cabbage approximately 1 medium head, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth plus extra as needed to thin the sauce
• 1 tsp table salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp brown mustard
• ⅔ cup heavy cream

Equipment

• Skillet

Method

 

1. Brown the Kielbasa. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
2. Sauté the Onion. Add the butter and minced onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion softens.
3. Cook the Cabbage. You'll need: 2 pounds chopped cabbage, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp table salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp dried thyme, and ½ tsp black pepper.

   Add the cabbage and chicken broth to the skillet, then stir in the seasonings. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness.
4. Caramelize the Cabbage. Remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the excess broth evaporates and the cabbage develops a light golden color. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
5. Make the Mustard Cream Sauce. You'll need: 3 tbsp brown mustard and ⅔ cup heavy cream.

   Reduce the heat to low and stir both into the cabbage. Return the browned kielbasa to the skillet and simmer gently, uncovered, for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce coats the cabbage.
6. Adjust and Serve. If the sauce becomes too thick or dry, add chicken broth or water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 442gProtein: 12.7gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 18.1gSodium: 1748mgFiber: 16.9gSugar: 8.5gNet Carbohydrates: 13.4g

Notes

Kielbasa varies by brand, so check the carbohydrate content when choosing your sausage.

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting dietary fiber and, when applicable, eligible sweeteners such as allulose and erythritol from total carbohydrates.

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Tips for the Best Results

• Let the cabbage turn golden. Allow the chicken broth to evaporate before adding the cream and mustard. This helps the cabbage develop its golden color, adds flavor, and prevents a watery sauce.
• Add the seasonings with the broth. Dried herbs and garlic powder can scorch in hot fat. Adding them with the liquid helps distribute their flavor evenly.
• Keep the heat low when adding the cream. A gentle simmer helps the mustard cream sauce stay smooth without separating.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy cabbage and kielbasa skillet makes a satisfying meal on its own. For a heartier dinner, serve it alongside cauliflower mash to soak up the mustard cream sauce.

A simple green salad also pairs nicely with the richness of the dish.