Craving a rush of bold, spicy flavor without the carbs? This Keto Cajun Sausage and Cabbage recipe is your new weeknight hero. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that explodes with savory, zesty goodness and comes together in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated meal prep and hours in the kitchen; this dish is designed for busy people who want delicious, healthy food without the fuss. It’s packed with protein, low in carbs, and delivers a satisfying, hearty meal that perfectly aligns with your keto lifestyle.
We’re combining smoky, spicy Andouille sausage with tender-crisp cabbage, all brought to life with a classic Cajun seasoning blend. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is secretly incredibly healthy. Plus, the cleanup is an absolute breeze. Let’s dive into making your new favorite keto skillet dinner!
Why This Keto Cajun Sausage and Cabbage Recipe Works
- Incredibly Fast: From skillet to table in less than 30 minutes, this is the ultimate solution for hectic weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: All the cooking happens in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor infusion.
- Keto-Friendly & Healthy: Naturally low in carbs and packed with protein and nutrients from the cabbage, it keeps you on track with your health goals. For another satisfying low-carb meal, check out these Philly cheesesteak casseroles.
- Bold, Mouthwatering Flavor: The combination of smoked sausage and Cajun spices creates a deeply savory and aromatic dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Keto Cajun Sausage and Cabbage skillet is its simplicity. You only need a handful of core ingredients to create something truly special.
- Andouille Sausage: This is the star. Its smoky, spicy flavor is essential for that authentic Cajun taste. If you can’t find Andouille, a good quality smoked sausage will also work.
- Cabbage: A whole head of green cabbage, chopped. It wilts down beautifully and soaks up all the delicious flavors from the sausage and spices.
- Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation of any great skillet dish. They add a layer of sweetness and depth.
- Cajun Seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own! This blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano is what gives the dish its signature kick.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and searing the sausage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to see how easy this is? Follow these simple steps for a perfect Keto Cajun Sausage and Cabbage dinner every time.
- Sear the Sausage: Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy. This searing step is crucial for flavor! Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion to the rendered sausage fat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Wilt the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It might seem like a lot at first, but it will cook down significantly. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the cabbage. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage reaches your desired level of tenderness. We like ours tender-crisp!
- Combine and Serve: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat the sausage through. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use a large skillet to ensure the sausage gets a good sear and the cabbage isn’t just steaming. A 12-inch cast-iron skillet is perfect for this.
- Control the Spice: Cajun seasoning blends can vary in heat. Start with a smaller amount, taste, and add more if you like it extra spicy.
- Avoid Mushy Cabbage: Keep a close eye on the cabbage as it cooks. For the best texture, cook it until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. For another amazing one-pan meal, try this easy tater tot casserole.
Variations and Add-Ins
While this Keto Cajun Sausage and Cabbage is fantastic on its own, it’s also a great base for customization.
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers (any color) are a classic addition that adds sweetness and texture. Sliced mushrooms or zucchini would also be delicious.
- Make it Creamy: For a richer dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end of the cooking time.
- Cheese it Up: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking and let it melt. Much like you would for these tasty pizza sliders.
Storage and Meal Prep
This recipe is a meal prep dream! It stores wonderfully and the flavors get even better the next day.
- To Store: Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently warm the entire dish in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through.
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. Low-carb vegetables like bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions. Add them to the skillet with the onions to ensure they cook properly.
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Simply cook as directed, let it cool, and portion it into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Yes, cabbage is very keto-friendly! It is low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making it an excellent vegetable choice for a ketogenic diet. A whole head of cabbage has roughly 20-25 net carbs, which is very low when split into multiple servings.
Andouille sausage is the best choice for its authentic smoky and spicy Cajun flavor. However, any high-quality, low-carb smoked sausage or kielbasa will also work well in this dish.
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. Low-carb vegetables like bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions. Add them to the skillet with the onions to ensure they cook properly.
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Simply cook as directed, let it cool, and portion it into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Yes, cabbage is very keto-friendly! It is low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making it an excellent vegetable choice for a ketogenic diet. A whole head of cabbage has roughly 20-25 net carbs, which is very low when split into multiple servings.
Andouille sausage is the best choice for its authentic smoky and spicy Cajun flavor. However, any high-quality, low-carb smoked sausage or kielbasa will also work well in this dish.
Save This Keto Cajun Sausage Recipe!
This one-pan Keto Cajun Sausage and Cabbage skillet is a true game-changer for quick, flavorful, and healthy eating. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to make an incredibly satisfying meal. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Keto Cajun Sausage and Cabbage Skillet: A 30-Minute Meal
This Keto Cajun Sausage and Cabbage is a flavorful one-pan skillet meal that's ready in under 30 minutes! Packed with spicy Andouille sausage and tender cabbage, it's the perfect low-carb dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until well-browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- To the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook in the rendered sausage fat for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
- Return the seared sausage to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes more to heat through. Serve immediately.
Notes
Sausage Choice: If you can't find Andouille, any smoked sausage like kielbasa will work well.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preference for heat.
Meal Prep: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keto Cajun Sausage and Cabbage Skillet: A 30-Minute Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until well-browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- To the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook in the rendered sausage fat for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
- Return the seared sausage to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes more to heat through. Serve immediately.
Notes
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preference for heat.
Meal Prep: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
