Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya
Description
This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is a bold and spicy Southern comfort dish that brings all the flavors of traditional jambalaya with a low-carb twist! Packed with smoky Andouille sausage, ground beef, Cajun seasoning, tomatoes, and tender cabbage, this one-pot meal is both hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for those who love a spicy kick and want a comforting dish that’s easy to make!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
Protein & Vegetables:
- ½ lb Andouille sausage, sliced
- ½ lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasoning & Spices:
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
Extras:
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Louisiana or Tabasco)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes, until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula. Remove excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add another 1 tbsp oil to the pan and sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
3. Add Cabbage & Seasoning
- Stir in chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings (Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, cayenne, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce).
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.
4. Finish & Serve
- Return the sausage to the pot and stir well.
- Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Keto-Friendly: Use sugar-free Worcestershire and check the carb count on your diced tomatoes.
- Extra Hearty Version: Add cooked rice to the dish for a traditional jambalaya feel.
- Spicier Kick: Increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- More Protein: Add shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and mushrooms instead of meat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Health Benefits
- Low-Carb Alternative: A great way to enjoy jambalaya flavors without rice.
- Rich in Fiber: Cabbage helps with digestion and gut health.
- High-Protein Meal: Andouille sausage and ground beef keep you full longer.
- Cajun Seasoning Benefits: Spices like cayenne and paprika boost metabolism.
- Heart-Healthy Ingredients: Using lean meats and olive oil helps support cardiovascular health.
Q&A
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with cornbread, cauliflower rice, or a side of collard greens.
3. How do I make it milder?
Reduce or omit cayenne pepper and use a mild sausage instead of Andouille.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. What’s a good substitute for Andouille sausage?
You can use smoked sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage for a different twist.
Would you like any adjustments to match your taste preferences?