Savory, simple, so good! Easy and Hearty Dirty Cabbage is classic comfort food — browned ground beef and sausage tossed with sweet cabbage, onion and bell pepper in one skillet. Simple ingredients, big flavor. Healthy, filling, budget-friendly and delicious — good food brings people together!
Cook 25 Min
Serves 6
Quick & Easy
Family Approved
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 link sausage, quartered
- 1 whole head cabbage, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (or seasonings of choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It
Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté 1 lb ground beef and 1 quartered sausage link for 8-10 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles, until deeply browned and cooked through. The browned bits are pure flavor — do not rush this.
Add Veggies
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and sweet. Stir in the Cajun seasoning so it blooms in the fat for 30 seconds.
Add Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage (it will look like a mountain — it cooks down fast). Season with salt and pepper. Do not drain — the juices add FLAVOR! Toss everything together so the cabbage picks up the seasoned drippings.
Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and silky and has soaked up all the savory juices. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot straight from the skillet. Stir and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Brown the meat well. Deep browning builds the savory base — give the beef and sausage the full 8-10 minutes undisturbed in spots.
- Chop the cabbage in big chunks. It cooks down dramatically, so hearty pieces keep their texture instead of disappearing.
- Cajun seasoning is the classic. It was made for this dish — but garlic powder, smoked paprika and onion powder work too.
- Cover the skillet to speed things up. Trapped steam softens the cabbage faster and keeps every drop of juice in the pan.
- Great for meal prep. This reheats beautifully — make a big batch and pack it for lunches all week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dirty cabbage?
It is a Cajun-style one-pan skillet — ground beef and sausage cooked with cabbage, onion and bell pepper. Think dirty rice, but with cabbage instead of rice.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes — ground turkey works great and keeps the dish leaner. The sausage adds richness, so keep it if you can.
Can I make it without the sausage?
Absolutely — just use 1.5 lb of ground beef or turkey. Add an extra teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to make up for the sausage’s flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat — it tastes even better the next day.
What seasonings work best?
Cajun seasoning is the classic choice. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder and a pinch of cayenne are all great additions.