This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is a hearty, one-pot comfort meal that brings bold Southern flavor to your kitchen with simple ingredients. Made with seasoned meat, tender cabbage, diced tomatoes, and rice—all simmered together in a savory broth—it’s budget-friendly, filling, and packed with Cajun flair. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan dish — minimal cleanup
- Comfort food classic with a Cajun twist
- Naturally gluten-free
- Easy to customize with your favorite protein
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage (or a combination)
- 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 juices)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: hot sauce or red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped cabbage and canned tomatoes with their juice. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to begin wilting.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth. Add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the cabbage is fully tender.
Step 5: Stir in Cooked Rice
Add the cooked white rice and mix until well incorporated. Let simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to absorb flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, optionally topped with chopped parsley or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with cornbread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad
- Great for storing — leftovers taste even better the next day
- Can be portioned for freezer-friendly meals
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~390 kcal per serving (estimate)
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