Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside. Add onion and garlic and cook in bacon grease until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in cabbage, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper; mix to combine. Cook for about 10 minutes.

Stir cooked bacon into the skillet with the cabbage mixture. Simmer over low heat until cabbage reaches the desired consistency, 20 to 30 minutes. Serve hot or warm.