Spicy Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Skillet – One-Pot Comfort Food
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Craving something warm, spicy, and incredibly satisfying? This Spicy Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is the perfect one-pot comfort food. It’s packed with ground meat, tender cabbage, flavorful spices, and fluffy rice – all simmered together in a rich tomato and broth base. Inspired by the bold and zesty flavors of Louisiana’s Cajun cuisine, this dish offers a delicious twist by adding cabbage, making it healthier, heartier, and even more budget-friendly.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just looking to try something new, this recipe checks all the boxes: easy to make, full of flavor, and loaded with nutrients.
Health Benefits of Cabbage in Jambalaya
Don’t underestimate cabbage—it’s a powerhouse vegetable with impressive health benefits:
- Rich in Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps you feel full longer.
- Loaded with Antioxidants: Especially vitamin C and flavonoids, which support the immune system.
- Supports Heart Health: Lowers inflammation and cholesterol levels.
By adding cabbage to this jambalaya, you’re boosting the nutritional value without compromising taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Cajun-style pork sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped (about 4–5 cups)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Wilt the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage. It may seem like a lot at first, but it will shrink as it cooks. Continue stirring until the cabbage begins to soften—about 5–7 minutes.
4. Add the Rice and Liquids
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and uncooked rice. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly.
5. Simmer Until Rice Is Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
6. Let It Rest and Serve
Once done, remove from heat and let the jambalaya rest for 5 minutes. This helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture. Fluff gently with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicier: Add hot sauce or extra cayenne if you love heat.
- Try Different Proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or even shrimp work great.
- Use Brown Rice: Just note it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Warm cornbread or crusty bread
- A light side salad
- Pickled jalapeños for extra kick Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
Why This Recipe Works
- One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup and more flavor.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to your taste or dietary needs.
- Comforting & Satisfying: A bowl of this feels like a hug on a cold day.
Conclusion
This Spicy Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya brings the heart and soul of Southern cooking into your kitchen, with a healthy twist. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try it once, and it’ll earn a regular spot in your recipe rotation.