Contest-Winning Cajun Cabbage

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 65 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
Looking for a different treatment for cabbage? Try this spicy cheese-topped Cajun cabbage that I adapted from a friend's recipe. I added a little of this and that until it tasted the way I wanted. Not only do my husband and kids like it, but I also get rave reviews when I make it for company or church functions. —Bobbie Soileau, Opelousas, Louisiana
Contest-Winning Cajun Cabbage Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon each white, black and cayenne pepper
  • 4 to 6 drops hot pepper sauce
  • 1 small head cabbage, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
  • Fresh basil, optional

Directions

  1. In a skillet, cook the beef, green pepper, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, seasonings and hot sauce.
  2. Spread into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with the cabbage and cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 65-75 minutes or until the rice is tender. If desired, garnish with basil.
Cajun Cabbage Tips

How do you shred cabbage?

Although it is tempting to buy pre-shredded cabbage, learning how to do it yourself saves money in the long run. Check out our quick and easy guide to shredding cabbage yourself!

How can you make sure cabbage isn't mushy?

Before topping the dish, salt the cabbage, let it sit for one hour at room temperature, then squeeze out any excess moisture. This prevents the cabbage from getting soggy. When it comes time to cook, cook the cabbage al dente. Overcooking can result in a wet, mushy product that has an unappetizing smell. Check out 32 surprising ways to use cabbage for your next meal.

How long will leftover Cajun cabbage last?

Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking, then use within 3-5 days. To extend the shelf life of cooked cabbage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 10 months.

—Ellie Crowley, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 235 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.