This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is a hearty one-skillet meal packed with smoky sausage, tender cabbage, vegetables, rice, and bold Cajun spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Southern-inspired dish is comforting, filling, and full of flavor. Made in under an hour, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again whenever you want a delicious family dinner.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Busy home cooks who need a satisfying one-pan dinner.
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Fans of Cajun cuisine who love bold and smoky flavors.
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Cabbage lovers looking for new ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
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Families who want budget-friendly comfort food that stretches to feed a crowd.
Why it’s Great
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One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
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Customizable Protein: Use pork sausage, chicken, shrimp, or even ground beef.
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Healthy & Hearty: Packed with vegetables, rice, and protein for a balanced meal.
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Meal-Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Large skillet (10-inch cast iron works best, but any large skillet or pan will do)
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Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
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Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Lid to cover skillet while cooking rice
Ingredients
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1 pound spicy pork sausage
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1 onion, chopped
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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1 cup celery, chopped
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1 head green cabbage, chopped
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1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 cup chicken broth
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½ cup water
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1 cup uncooked brown basmati rice
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon cumin
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⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
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⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the pork sausage with onion and garlic until browned.
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Add Vegetables: Stir in bell pepper and celery; cook for about 3 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Add cabbage, tomatoes, broth, water, rice, and spices. Stir well.
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Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 40–50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.
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Serve & Enjoy: Dish up hot with cornbread muffins or crusty bread.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQ
Q: Can I use white rice instead of brown basmati?
A: Yes, but cooking time will be shorter (about 25–30 minutes).
Q: Is this recipe very spicy?
A: The heat level is mild to medium. For less spice, reduce or omit cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add more chili powder or hot sauce.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Skip the sausage and add beans or extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
Q: What can I serve with Cajun cabbage jambalaya?
A: It pairs beautifully with sweet cornbread muffins, hush puppies, or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is everything you want in a skillet dinner—hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. With smoky sausage, tender cabbage, and Cajun spices, it’s a meal that warms the soul and satisfies the whole family. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend comfort food craving, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite in your home.
