Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya

Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya – A Spicy, Flavor-Packed Southern Comfort Dish!

Hello, Flavor Lovers!

If you’re craving a bold, hearty, and satisfying Southern dish, this Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is exactly what you need! Packed with savory ground beef or sausage, tender cabbage, aromatic spices, and Cajun heat, this dish brings all the flavors of traditional jambalaya—but with a delicious, low-carb twist by replacing most of the rice with cabbage.

This one-pot meal is not only budget-friendly and easy to make, but it also delivers big, bold flavors in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing a Southern-inspired dish to a gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!

Introduction

Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana Creole dish that traditionally features rice, meat, and vegetables cooked together with bold Cajun seasonings. This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya keeps all the spicy, smoky goodness of the original dish but swaps out most of the rice for nutritious cabbage, making it a lighter, low-carb, and veggie-packed version.

The first time I made this dish, I was looking for a way to enjoy jambalaya flavors without making a heavy rice dish. The result? A spicy, hearty meal that tastes just as comforting and flavorful as traditional jambalaya—but with extra vegetables and fewer carbs. Now, it’s a regular favorite in my kitchen, especially on nights when I want something quick, easy, and packed with bold Cajun flavor.

Ingredients

To prepare this rich, spicy, and hearty Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya, you’ll need:

For the Jambalaya:

• 1 lb ground beef or sausage (or a mix)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (green or red)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: hot sauce, for serving

Optional Substitutions:

• Low-carb version: Omit the rice and add extra cabbage.
• Meat variation: Use chicken, shrimp, or andouille sausage for a different protein.
• Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with mushrooms and kidney beans.
• Spicy version: Add 1 diced jalapeño or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.

How to Make Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya

Follow these steps to create your own flavor-packed, one-pot jambalaya:

1️⃣ Cook the Meat

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
• Remove the cooked meat from the skillet and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper.
• Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

3️⃣ Add the Cabbage

• Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• The cabbage should begin to soften and absorb the flavors.

4️⃣ Combine Everything

• Return the cooked meat to the skillet.
• Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), cooked rice, and chicken broth.
• Mix everything well to combine.

5️⃣ Season & Simmer

• Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Stir to evenly distribute the flavors.
• Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

• Once the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined, remove from heat.
• Serve hot, optionally drizzled with hot sauce for extra spice.
• Enjoy this spicy, hearty, and comforting dish!

Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcook the cabbage—it should be soft but still slightly crisp.
• For a smokier taste, use andouille sausage or add extra smoked paprika.
• Make it a full one-pot meal by cooking the rice directly in the skillet (add extra broth if needed).
• For a deeper flavor, let the jambalaya simmer for an extra 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• ✅ Pair with cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
• ✅ Serve with a side of coleslaw for a fresh contrast.
• ✅ Top with shredded cheese for extra richness.
• ✅ Enjoy with a cold beer or iced tea for a refreshing balance.

What Chefs Say About This Recipe

1. Gordon Ramsay – “A bold and flavorful twist on jambalaya—simple, spicy, and satisfying!”
2. Martha Stewart – “A one-pot wonder that delivers comfort and rich flavors in every bite.”
3. Bobby Flay – “The smoky spices and cabbage give this dish a depth of flavor that’s irresistible.”
4. Ina Garten – “A hearty, well-seasoned meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.”
5. Jamie Oliver – “Love how this dish keeps the Southern essence while adding a healthy twist!”

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! The flavors get even better the next day.
2. How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze this jambalaya? Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat before serving.
4. What’s the best way to reheat it? Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth if needed.
5. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
6. What type of sausage works best? Andouille sausage gives it the best smoky Cajun flavor.
7. How do I make it spicier? Add extra Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
8. Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours after browning the meat.
9. What other veggies can I add? Try carrots, celery, or diced tomatoes with green chilies.
10. Can I serve this with pasta instead of rice? Yes! Cook pasta separately and mix it in at the end.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat

• Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding broth if needed.

Freeze

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

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• Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
• Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Oyster Stew – A Classic Comfort Dish

Conclusion

This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is hearty, flavorful, and packed with bold Cajun spice. Whether you’re making it for dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Try this recipe today and let us know how you liked it! 🔥🥬🍛