Keto Cajun Stuffed Cabbage Bowls – A One-Pan Southern Comfort Classic
Low-carb comfort meets bold Southern flavor in this one-pan keto masterpiece. These Keto Cajun Stuffed Cabbage Bowls combine tender roasted cabbage with a fiery mix of andouille sausage, shrimp, bell peppers, and onions—topped with gooey melted cheese for that final indulgent touch. The result? A satisfying, soul-warming dish that’s as hearty as it is healthy, perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another stuffed vegetable—it’s Cajun soul food made keto-friendly.
Every bite bursts with layers of smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and zesty spice, wrapped in buttery-soft roasted cabbage that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s everything you crave about Creole comfort food, minus the carbs.
Perfect for:
- Keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets
- Quick weeknight dinners (ready in under 60 minutes)
- Make-ahead meal prep
- Fans of gumbo, jambalaya, and authentic Louisiana flavors
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Cabbage Bowls
- 2 medium green cabbages (about 1½ lbs each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cajun Filling
- 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa preferred), sliced
- ½ lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (mix red and green for color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon fat (for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or chopped green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove wilted outer leaves and slice ½ inch off the tops.
- Carefully core out the centers to create a bowl shape (about 3 inches wide).
- Brush the insides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place snugly in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Tip: Save the cabbage cores and trimmings for soups or stir-fries—nothing goes to waste!
Step 2: Cook the Cajun Filling
- Heat olive oil or bacon fat in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers; sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sausage slices and cook 5–6 minutes, allowing them to brown and release flavor.
- Push everything to one side and add shrimp. Sprinkle all seasonings (Cajun, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, pepper) over the mixture.
- Cook 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Chef’s Tip: Bacon fat adds authentic Southern smokiness—don’t skip it if you can!
Step 3: Stuff the Cabbage
- Divide the filling evenly between the cabbage bowls, packing it in gently.
- If using cheese, sprinkle some inside before adding the filling, then top with the rest.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender
- Cover the dish loosely with foil.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes for a golden, roasted finish.
Check at 40 minutes: Cooking time varies by cabbage size—fork-tender is the goal.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Let rest 3–5 minutes before slicing. Cut into wedges or scoop servings directly from the cabbage. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Serve with:
- Cauliflower rice for a true keto pairing
- Garlic butter broccoli
- A fresh green salad
Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage
- Choose firm cabbages that hold shape while baking.
- Use flavorful sausage – andouille brings authentic heat, while kielbasa adds rich smokiness.
- Don’t overbake! Too long in the oven and your cabbage will fall apart.
- Tastes even better the next day – reheats beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
- Freezer-friendly: Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers before or after baking.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes for best texture.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked sausage | Chorizo, chicken sausage, or turkey bacon | Adjust spice levels accordingly |
| Shrimp | Chicken, scallops, or mushrooms | Great for protein swaps |
| Bell peppers | Zucchini, celery, or poblano peppers | Seasonal variation |
| Cheese | Pepper jack or omit entirely | For dairy-free or extra kick |
| Cajun seasoning | DIY mix of paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, oregano, thyme | Control your salt and spice |
Serving Ideas
- Serve family-style right in the pan for rustic presentation.
- Perfect for potlucks or meal prep—reheat and serve all week.
- Double the batch and freeze half for easy comfort food later.
- Add a side of cauliflower mash for a complete low-carb feast.
Cultural Context
This dish draws inspiration from Creole and Cajun traditions—a celebration of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage. By blending spicy sausage, tender seafood, and aromatic vegetables, it captures the soul of the South in a keto-friendly form. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need carbs to taste extraordinary.
Pro Tips
- Want more heat? Add a few dashes of hot sauce or extra cayenne to the filling.
- Making it ahead? Assemble the stuffed cabbages, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh.
- Hosting a dinner party? Serve with lemon wedges and a drizzle of Cajun aioli for a gourmet touch.
- Always label your leftovers—everyone will want a piece!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make mini versions?
A: Yes! Use small cabbage heads or halve larger ones vertically for single portions.
Q: Why did my cabbage fall apart?
A: It was likely overbaked or too thin. Choose dense, compact cabbages and check at 40 minutes.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Yes—just ensure your sausage and Cajun seasoning are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Place stuffed cabbages in the crockpot, cover, and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
Q: Can I air fry smaller portions?
A: Yes—air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway for even crisping.
Allergy Information
- Contains: Shellfish (shrimp), dairy (if cheese used), wheat (in some sausages)
- Gluten-free option: Use certified GF sausage and seasoning
- Nut-free: Naturally nut-free
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate, Without Cheese)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Net Carbs: 7g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 880mg
Final Thoughts
These Keto Cajun Stuffed Cabbage Bowls are proof that low-carb eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. They emerge from the oven bubbling, golden, and fragrant—saying everything a great meal should:
“Sit down. Eat. You’re taken care of.”
This is keto comfort food at its best—bold, balanced, and irresistibly Southern.