This Cajun Beef & Andouille Cabbage Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal packed with ground beef, crispy Cajun andouille sausage, tender cabbage, and colorful bell peppers. Everything is cooked together in one skillet, allowing all those smoky, spicy Cajun flavors to come together in every bite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor: Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, garlic, cumin, and chili powder give this skillet plenty of bold flavor.
- One-pan meal: Everything comes together in one large skillet, making cleanup easy.
- Hearty and filling: The combination of ground beef and andouille makes this much more satisfying than a typical cabbage dish.
- Lots of vegetables: Cabbage, onion, and bell peppers add plenty of texture and flavor.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite Cajun ingredients.
- Great for leftovers: The flavors get even better after sitting overnight.
Ingredients
- 1 green cabbage, chopped into thin slices
- 1 lb Cajun-style andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1/2 tbsp your favorite Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Oil, for cooking
- Optional: Splash of water or beef/chicken stock, as needed
- Optional: Green onions and hot sauce, for serving
How to Make Cajun Beef & Andouille Cabbage Skillet
1. Crisp the Andouille
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for several minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy around the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the same skillet, using the rendered sausage fat to help flavor the meat. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked. Season with some of the Cajun seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the beef and set aside, leaving a little of the flavorful fat in the skillet.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. If the pan looks dry, add a small drizzle of oil. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Cook the Cabbage
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet along with the remaining Cajun seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika if using. Toss everything together and cook until the cabbage begins to wilt and develop some color. If the cabbage needs help softening, add a small splash of water or stock and continue cooking.
5. Bring Everything Together
Return the browned ground beef and crispy andouille sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the cabbage to become tender.
6. Season and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, or hot sauce. Top with sliced green onions if desired and serve hot.
Variations & What to Serve With
Easy Variations:
- Make it spicier: Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or extra hot sauce.
- Add more vegetables: Diced celery, jalapeños, or even chopped tomatoes would work well.
- Use different meat: Ground turkey, ground pork, or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack over the skillet during the final few minutes of cooking.
- Serve it over rice: Spoon the cabbage mixture over white rice, brown rice, or Cajun rice for an even heartier meal.
What to Serve With It:
This skillet is filling enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- White rice
- Cornbread
- Garlic bread
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Cajun rice
Refrigerator
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer
This skillet can be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in 60–90 second intervals, stirring between each interval.
If the cabbage seems dry after refrigeration, add a small splash of water or stock while reheating.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the sliced andouille sausage in a large skillet (lightly oiled to prevent sticking) until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in the same skillet. Season and cook until fully browned, then remove and set aside, leaving some fat in the pan.
- Cook the onion and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cabbage, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until the cabbage is tender and slightly browned, adding a splash of stock if needed.
- Return the beef and andouille to the skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring to combine.
- Adjust seasoning and finish with green onions and hot sauce if desired.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple dinner that’s big on flavor without requiring a lot of work, this Cajun Beef & Andouille Cabbage Skillet is a great one to add to your rotation. The crispy andouille adds smoky spice, while the ground beef makes the dish hearty and satisfying. The cabbage soaks up all those Cajun flavors as it cooks, making every bite flavorful.
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