If you love bold, rustic flavors, this Cajun Dirty Cabbage with Ground Beef and Andouille Sausage is a delicious skillet dinner that brings together spicy sausage, seasoned ground beef, and tender cabbage in one comforting pot. It is an easy weeknight meal with big Southern-inspired taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Cajun Dirty Cabbage with Ground Beef and Andouille Sausage is loved because it is simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. The ground beef and andouille sausage create a rich, meaty base, while the cabbage cooks down into a tender, savory side that feels like a full meal. With Cajun seasoning and a few pantry staples, you can make a satisfying dish that tastes like it simmered all day.
Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or meal prep, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with rice, cornbread, or crusty bread for a complete plate.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Hot sauce, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for a few minutes until browned.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 35 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
- Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning. Add more salt or Cajun seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with hot sauce on the side.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
For the best Cajun Dirty Cabbage with Ground Beef and Andouille Sausage, use a Dutch oven or deep skillet so the cabbage has room to cook down. Browning the ground beef well adds depth, and cooking the sausage until crispy helps build flavor.
Do not rush the simmer. Low and slow cooking helps the cabbage become tender without overcooking the meat. If you like extra heat, add cayenne or increase the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning and add smoked paprika.
Variations & Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for turkey or pork. Andouille sausage can be replaced with smoked sausage or kielbasa. Add bell pepper, celery, or extra onion for a mirepoix-style base. For a spicier version, use hot andouille or add red pepper flakes. For a milder version, use mild smoked sausage and reduce the Cajun seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cajun dirty cabbage with ground beef and andouille sausage over steamed rice, with cornbread, or alongside roasted potatoes. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. Add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce for brightness.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. For freezing, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition information is provided per serving. Values may vary based on ingredients and serving size.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 1 bowl |
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 8g |
FAQ
How long does Cajun Dirty Cabbage with Ground Beef and Andouille Sausage take to cook?
It takes about 45 minutes total, including browning the meat and simmering the cabbage until tender.
Can I use regular cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes, green cabbage is traditional, but red or Savoy cabbage can also be used. Just cook it until tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on the andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning. Adjust to taste.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made ahead and reheated. The flavor often improves after sitting overnight.
Cajun Dirty Cabbage with Ground Beef and Andouille Sausage
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped cabbage, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 30 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.