Cajun cabbage jambalaya with ground beef and sausage – Spicy, smoky, and incredibly hearty, this one-pot meal packs bold flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
- Big bold flavor: Cajun seasoning and smoky sausage bring serious Southern heat
- Budget-friendly: Uses humble ingredients in a hearty, family-style dish
- Comfort food classic: Warm, filling, and deeply satisfying
- Perfect for meal prep: Makes great leftovers and reheats beautifully
- Flexible: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra veggies
- Wholesome and balanced: Includes meat, vegetables, and rice in every bite
- Feeds a crowd: Generous servings with simple ingredients
- No special tools needed: Basic skillet or Dutch oven does the trick
- Southern soul: Authentic Louisiana flavor in an easy home-cooked form
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Optional: chopped green onions or hot sauce for garnish
Directions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary
- Add the sliced sausage to the pan and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until lightly browned
- Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until vegetables are soft and fragrant
- Add the chopped cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–7 minutes, or until the cabbage begins to soften
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, then season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined
- Stir in the cooked rice and heat through for 2–3 minutes
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce if desired
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: Approx. 385 kcal per serving
Variations
- No sausage version: Use all ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a lighter option
- Vegetarian: Skip the meats and add kidney beans or black beans instead
- Low-carb: Omit the rice and serve over cauliflower rice
- Spicier: Increase Cajun seasoning or stir in cayenne or diced jalapeños
- Extra veggies: Add celery, carrots, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen
FAQs
How long does Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya With Ground Beef And Sausage last in the fridge?
In my experience, Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya stores well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen.
Can I substitute butter in this recipe?
I’ve found that if you were to use butter for sautéing, good substitutes include olive oil or vegetable oil. Olive oil offers a slightly fruitier note, while vegetable oil is more neutral. For a richer, smoky flavor that complements this dish, you could also use bacon fat.
What internal temperature should beef reach?
For beef, it should reach an internal temperature of 145°F measured with a meat thermometer, per USDA FSIS guidelines. This ensures it’s safely cooked while retaining juiciness. After cooking, always allow the meat to rest for a few minutes; this helps the juices redistribute for a more tender result.
What goes well with Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya With Ground Beef And Sausage?
This hearty jambalaya pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. Cornbread or crusty French bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. Steamed green beans or collard greens also make excellent, traditional accompaniments.
Is Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya With Ground Beef And Sausage gluten-free?
This recipe contains gluten from the smoked sausage, as many commercial brands include gluten-containing fillers or binders. To make this dish entirely gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free smoked sausage or opt for a different protein like unseasoned ground turkey or beans.
Conclusion
Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya with Ground Beef and Sausage is the ultimate one-pot Southern comfort dish—spicy, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or prepping for a gathering, this satisfying skillet delivers big taste with minimal effort. It’s a simple, soulful classic you’ll make again and again.
Explore More Flavors to Savor
- Corned beef cabbage recipe – tender and hearty, serves 8: This tender corned beef cabbage recipe is a hearty, slow-cooked dinner that fills your home with amazing smells.
- Ground Beef Tortilla Wraps: Whip up these Easy Ground Beef Tortilla Wraps in just 30 minutes!
- Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta: Craving creamy pasta? This one-pot Smoky Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta is ready in 35 minutes.
- French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: This cozy French Onion Beef & Rice Casserole is so easy!
- Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: Cheesy and full of flavor, the Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya With Ground Beef And Sausage
- Total Time: PT50M
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Spicy, hearty, and packed with Southern soul, this one-pot Cajun cabbage jambalaya brings together ground beef, smoky sausage, tender cabbage, and bold Creole flavors for a comforting meal that hits every note.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Optional: chopped green onions or hot sauce for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the sliced sausage to the pan and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–7 minutes, or until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, then season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Stir in the cooked rice and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your heat preference.
- Use Andouille sausage for extra smokiness and authenticity.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- Can be made ahead and frozen in portions for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT35M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg