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Skillet Fried Cabbage with Ham

Skillet Fried Cabbage with Ham is the kind of country-style comfort food that’s been made in kitchens for generations. It’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor, using everyday ingredients and one good skillet to bring everything together. This is the type of meal that doesn’t need much explaining—it’s filling, familiar, and always satisfying.

This dish is especially popular after baking a ham, when there are a few slices left that are just begging to be turned into something warm and comforting. Diced ham cooks down with cabbage and onion, seasoning the entire skillet as it goes. The cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet, soaking up all that savory ham flavor.

What I love most about this recipe is how practical it is. You can use leftover baked ham, or you can grab cubed ham from the store and still end up with the same cozy, country-style result. It’s the kind of food you make when you want something real and homemade—nothing fancy, just good, honest coo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-skillet meal
• Great way to use leftover ham
• Simple, affordable ingredients
• Hearty and comforting
• Easy to customize
• Perfect for weeknight dinners

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced or cubed ham (leftover baked ham or store-bought)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 large head of green cabbage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• ½ teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or cast iron pan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step 1: Brown the Ham

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and heated through. Remove the ham to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Onion

Add the butter or oil to the skillet.

Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the onion.

Season with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings.

Stir well to coat the cabbage in the butter and onion mixture.

Step 4: Fry the Cabbage

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Cover the skillet and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and cooked down.

Remove the lid during the last few minutes if you prefer the cabbage more browned and less steamed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the ham to the skillet and stir to combine.

Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot.

Jennie’s Thoughts

This is one of my favorite ways to use leftover ham after a holiday or Sunday dinner. The ham adds so much flavor to the cabbage, and everything comes together quickly in one skillet with very little effort.

I love how adaptable this recipe is. If I have leftover baked ham, I dice a few slices and toss them in. If not, cubed ham from the store works perfectly. Either way, the result is a cozy, filling dish that feels familiar and satisfying.

If you enjoy skillet-style cabbage dishes, you might also like my Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion, this hearty Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet, or my comforting French Onion Meat Sauce.

Variations

• Add potatoes: Dice and sauté potatoes with the onion
• Smoky: Add smoked paprika
• Garlic-forward: Add minced garlic with the onion
• Vinegar: Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through

Skillet Fried Cabbage with Ham is simple, hearty comfort food that makes the most of what you have on hand. Whether you’re using leftover baked ham or store-bought cubes, it’s an easy recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

This is a dish worth keeping in your regular rotation.