Easy Dirty Cabbage Recipe with Ground Beef and Sausage

I make this easy dirty cabbage recipe when I want a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal with a little Cajun-style heat. Ground beef, smoky andouille sausage, tender cabbage, peppers, onion, celery, and bold seasonings come together in one Dutch oven, so I get plenty of flavor without a complicated process.

I especially like this dish when I want something comforting that feels different from the usual cabbage recipes. It is inspired by dirty rice, with cabbage taking the place of rice and giving the dish a satisfying, lower-carb feel. I can serve it as a main dish with cornbread or as a hearty side alongside grilled chicken or pork chops.

Why I Love This Dirty Cabbage Recipe

• I get a rich, savory flavor from both ground beef and andouille sausage.
• The Cajun seasonings give the cabbage a warm, spicy kick without making the recipe complicated.
• I cook everything in one Dutch oven, which keeps the process simple and cleanup easier.
• I can serve it as a main course or pair it with cornbread and other Southern-inspired dishes.

Ingredients for Dirty Cabbage

How I Make Dirty Cabbage

Step 1: Cook the beef and sausage

Ellie Crowley For Taste Of Home

I heat the olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. I add the ground beef and cook it until it is browned and no longer pink, about four to six minutes. I use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate.

I add the sliced andouille sausage to the Dutch oven and cook it until it is browned, about six to eight minutes, stirring often. I transfer it to the plate with the browned beef.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

I reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion, red and green peppers, and celery to the Dutch oven. I cook them until they are softened, about four to five minutes. Then I add the minced garlic and sauté it until it is fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 3: Add the cabbage and finish cooking

I add the shredded cabbage to the Dutch oven. I season it with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

I add the ground beef and sausage and stir to combine everything. I reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is softened and tender, 25 to 30 minutes. I serve it immediately.

My Favorite Dirty Cabbage Variations

• Add tomatoes and chiles: I can deepen the flavor and add more heat by stirring in a can of diced tomatoes and green chiles, such as Rotel.
• Use a different meat: I can swap ground turkey or ground pork for the ground beef, or use chopped, cooked bacon in place of the sausage.

How I Store Dirty Cabbage

I let the dirty cabbage cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

How long does dirty cabbage last?

I keep properly stored dirty cabbage in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Can I freeze dirty cabbage?

Yes. I let the dirty cabbage cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. I store it in the freezer for up to three months. When I am ready to eat it, I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I reheat dirty cabbage?

I prefer to transfer dirty cabbage to a skillet and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through.

My Tips for Making Dirty Cabbage

What is the best way to cut cabbage for dirty cabbage?

I start by removing the core from the cabbage. I cut the cabbage stem so the head sits flat on my cutting board, then slice straight down the middle to make two halves. To remove the stem from each half, I make two diagonal cuts around it, pull it out, and discard it. I then cut each half vertically into 1-inch slabs and chop those slabs into one-inch pieces.

What can I serve with dirty cabbage?

I like serving dirty cabbage as a side dish with grilled chicken or pork chops. I can also make it the main dish and serve it with a thick slice of cornbread.

What can I make with leftover dirty cabbage?

My favorite way to use leftover dirty cabbage is to turn it into soup. I add broth—vegetable, chicken, or beef all work well—to a large soup pot, then stir in an equal amount of leftover dirty cabbage. For example, I can combine 4 cups of broth with 4 cups of leftover cabbage and simmer until the meat is heated through. I serve the soup with a simple green salad and crusty bread for an easy meal.

Dirty Cabbage Recipe FAQs

Is dirty cabbage spicy?

I find this recipe moderately spicy because it uses Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. If I want a milder version, I can reduce the heat-producing seasonings while keeping the rest of the recipe the same.

Why is it called dirty cabbage?

I use the name because the dish follows the idea of dirty rice, a Louisiana Cajun staple. The cabbage takes the place of rice, while ground beef, sausage, and seasonings give the finished dish its characteristic darker, richly seasoned appearance.

Can I make dirty cabbage ahead of time?

Yes. I can cook the dish ahead, cool it promptly, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When I am ready to serve it, I reheat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until it is warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving, assuming 8 servings. Actual nutrition varies with the specific ground beef, sausage, Cajun seasoning, and other ingredients used.

Finally, Conclusion

I love this dirty cabbage recipe because it turns everyday cabbage into a hearty meal packed with savory beef, smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and Cajun-inspired seasoning. I can make it in one pot, serve it with cornbread, and enjoy the leftovers in a completely different way as soup. If I am looking for a comforting cabbage dinner with bold flavor, this is one I gladly make again.