Smothered Cabbage with Smoked Turkey Neck

From time to time, when I receive fresh cabbage from my community pantry, I can’t help but make one of my favorite dishes smothered cabbage with a side of cornbread. All I need to buy is smoked turkey necks, usually around $6–$7, and the rest of the ingredients I already have on hand. This meal feeds all three of us, with enough for seconds and even a plate to share with a neighbor. It’s simple, affordable, and truly fulfilling.

Desire Eats

4/12/20261 min read

Servings:

  • Serves 4–6 people (with generous portions and possible seconds)

Cooking Time:

  • Prep Time: 10–15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 20 minutes

    • (Includes simmering the smoked turkey necks and sautéing the cabbage)

Total Time:

  • About 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped

  • 1–2 smoked turkey necks

  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, sliced

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

  • 1–2 cups water or broth

  • 1–2 tbsp butter (finish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the turkey necks
    Place smoked turkey necks in a pot with water.
    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes until tender.

  2. Shred the meat
    Remove from pot, let cool slightly, and pull meat off the bones. Set aside.
    (Save a little broth for flavor!)

  3. Start your flavor base
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
    Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until slightly soft and fragrant.

  4. Add cabbage & seasoning
    Add chopped cabbage. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper.

  5. Build the flavor
    Add shredded smoked turkey meat and about ½–1 cup of the broth.

  6. Cook it down
    Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.

  7. Finish with butter (key step!)
    Add butter at the end and stir until melted and coated throughout.