Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya – A Bold & Spicy One-Pot Comfort Classic You’ll Crave Again and Again!

If you’re looking for a soul-warming, flavor-packed dinner that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas, look no further than this Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya. It’s a hearty one-pot meal that blends tender cabbage, juicy ground meat, bold Cajun spices, and fluffy rice into a delicious Southern-inspired dish — all simmered together until the flavors melt into each other perfectly.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal-prepping for the week, or just want something different from your usual dinner routine, this skillet jambalaya will become one of your go-to recipes.

What Makes This Dish So Special?

One-pot wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor!
Budget-friendly – Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.
Customizable heat level – Keep it mild or make it fiery!
Hearty & satisfying – Perfect for lunch, dinner, or leftovers.
Packed with nutrients – Cabbage brings fiber and vitamins to the party.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Let’s break it down! This recipe uses basic pantry and fridge staples, but when combined – the result is bold and unforgettable.

1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork sausage – Adds richness and a savory base.
1 medium onion, diced – For classic aromatic depth.
1 green bell pepper, diced – The “trinity” of Cajun cooking starts here!
2 cloves garlic, minced – Flavor powerhouse.
1 small head green cabbage, chopped – Adds volume, texture, and subtle sweetness.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained) – Juicy and tangy; don’t drain!
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice – Helps soak up all the bold flavors.
2 cups beef broth – Adds depth; you can also use chicken or vegetable broth.
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning – The heart of the dish! Use store-bought or homemade.
½ tsp smoked paprika – For smoky, earthy notes.
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – Kick up the heat if you’re brave.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing.
Chopped fresh parsley – Optional, but brightens the final dish beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté everything together for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This is the foundation of flavor — don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt. The cabbage will seem like a lot at first, but it cooks down quickly and absorbs all that delicious seasoning.

Step 4: Combine the Core Ingredients

Add the can of diced tomatoes (with the juice), uncooked rice, beef broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. At this point, it may look like a soup — don’t worry, the rice will soak up all the liquid.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Pro tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often! It’s important to trap the steam so the rice cooks evenly.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the jambalaya sit for 5 minutes, still covered. This final rest lets everything settle and makes the rice fluffier.

Step 7: Fluff & Garnish

Uncover, fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Make It Your Own – Variations & Substitutions

No rice? Try it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or orzo pasta.
Vegetarian version: Replace meat with canned chickpeas or plant-based sausage.
More veggies? Add diced zucchini, corn, mushrooms, or even okra.
Spicy sausage twist: Use andouille or hot Italian sausage for a deeper kick.
Low-carb option: Swap out rice for shredded cauliflower and reduce broth slightly.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Microwave or heat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

What Goes Well With Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya?

Cornbread or crusty French bread
Cucumber-tomato salad
Fried okra or green beans
Sweet iced tea or lemonade on the side

A Dish Full of Southern Soul

This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is more than just a recipe — it’s a comfort food celebration. Every bite bursts with spice, warmth, and deep southern flavor. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for batch cooking or meal prep.