Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, setting it aside, and keep the grease in the pan.
Add olive oil to the bacon grease and heat over medium. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the sliced cabbage to the pan, mixing it with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens.
Season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to coat the cabbage evenly with the spices.
Continue to cook the cabbage for another 5-7 minutes to your preferred tenderness. Adjust the cooking time based on whether you like it crisp or soft.
Add the cooked bacon back into the pan, stir to combine, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
