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

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead Of Canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to add some liquid—about 1/2 cup of broth or water—to replicate the juice from canned tomatoes

What Kind Of Sausage Works Best?

Smoked sausage or andouille sausage are ideal for the Cajun flavor

Can I Make This Dish In Advance?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld

Do I Need To Precook The Rice?

Yes, use fully cooked white rice—day-old rice works great

Can I Use Red Or Yellow Bell Peppers Instead?

Absolutely, any bell pepper variety will work

How Spicy Is Cajun Seasoning?

It varies by brand—start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste

Can I Make This Without Meat?

Yes, just increase the cabbage and rice, and consider adding beans for protein

What’s The Best Type Of Cabbage For This Recipe?

Green cabbage is the standard, but Savoy cabbage also works well

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead Of White?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the pan

What Should I Serve With It?

It’s a full meal on its own, but cornbread or a simple side salad are great complements

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.

Try These Next

If you loved this recipe, don’t stop here—explore more Clap-Worthy dishes that pair perfectly or carry the same comforting vibes:

Craving more Cajun flavor? Dive into the creamy One-Pot Cajun Pastalaya.
Add a rich and rustic side with Savory Stick of Butter Rice.

Looking for another hearty cabbage dish? Check out our Wholesome Cabbage Beef Bake.
For sweet-and-savory balance, try Honey Butter Creamy Skillet Corn.
End on a sweet note with a nostalgic Banana Split Fluff Salad—a no-bake dessert delight.

Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya With Ground Beef And Sausage

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

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

Scale

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

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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: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes
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