Hearty Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Skillet – Spicy Comfort in One Pan
Introduction
This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is a cozy, flavorful skillet meal that brings a Southern twist to your dinner table. Combining savory ground meat, tender cabbage, and fragrant Cajun spices, it’s an easy one-pan dish that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a family-friendly meal that offers a spicy kick balanced by the sweetness of cabbage. Fun fact: Jambalaya traditionally hails from Louisiana’s Creole and Cajun cultures, blending bold flavors with simple ingredients in one pot.
Pro Tip
For the best flavor, brown your meat thoroughly until it develops a nice crust before adding the veggies. This step builds a deeper, richer base for your jambalaya and really amps up the taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or coleslaw to add freshness and crunch.
- Complement with a cold beer or a glass of chilled white wine for a perfect balance of spice.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with smoked tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Boost: Add extra cayenne or chopped jalapeños for more heat.
- Seafood Style: Swap the meat for shrimp or crawfish tails for a traditional Cajun seafood jambalaya.
- Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice to lighten the carb load while keeping the flavors intact.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan: Essential for browning meat and cooking all ingredients together evenly.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping the vegetables precisely.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure the right balance of spices and liquids.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring without scratching your cookware.
Tips for Success
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent sticking and allow even cooking.
- Don’t rush the simmer — low and slow lets the rice absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Stir gently when adding the rice to avoid breaking the grains.
- Adjust seasoning toward the end, tasting for salt, spice, and balance.
- Let the jambalaya rest covered for 5 minutes before serving to finish cooking and settle flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the bold spices of Cajun cooking with the hearty comfort of a skillet meal. It’s quick, simple, and uses everyday ingredients, making it ideal for busy cooks who still want a satisfying homemade dinner. The mix of tender cabbage and seasoned meat with perfectly cooked rice is irresistibly comforting, yet exciting enough to become a repeat family favorite.
Recipe Card
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or pork sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage or ground beef until fully cooked and nicely browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until wilted, about 5 more minutes.
- Add undrained diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, beef broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20–25 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Nutrition (Estimated per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Q2: Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q3: What can I substitute for the ground meat?
Try sausage, ground turkey, or for a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or plant-based sausage.
Q4: How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is moderate and adjustable. Add or reduce cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Q5: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time and liquid slightly, as brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.
