Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya – A Spicy One-Pot Southern Comfort Classic
Introduction
If you love hearty one-pot meals with bold flavor and a bit of Southern soul, this Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is going to be your new go-to dish. Packed with savory sausage or beef, Cajun-seasoned vegetables, tender cabbage, and rice, this comforting skillet meal brings the deep flavors of Louisiana to your kitchen — with no fuss and very little cleanup.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner rotation, this recipe is budget-friendly, satisfying, and easy to customize with what you have on hand.
—
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or sausage (or a mix of both)
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (green or red)
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
½ head green cabbage, chopped
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2½ cups beef broth or chicken broth
1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a few dashes of hot sauce for extra kick
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
—
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes until it begins to wilt.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), uncooked rice, broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Fluff & Serve
Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and taste for seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
—
Tips & Variations
Use spicy andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun kick.
Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add a handful of shrimp during the last 10 minutes for a surf-and-turf twist.
For low-carb, replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce broth.
—
Why This Recipe Works
One-pot meal = less cleanup, more flavor
Cabbage stretches your budget while keeping it hearty
Packed with protein and perfect for meal prep
Great for family dinners, potlucks, and cold nights
