Southern-Style Dirty Cabbage with Ground Beef and Sausage

Southern-Style Dirty Cabbage with Ground Beef and Sausage

Southern-Style Dirty Cabbage with Ground Beef and Sausage is a hearty, comforting dinner made with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, smoky sausage, and a rich tomato sauce. This easy homemade recipe brings delicious Southern-inspired flavors to your table using simple ingredients and just one skillet.

Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6–8
Cuisine: Southern American
Course: Main Dish

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Skillet

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Seasoning

• 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and chop the cabbage into medium-sized pieces. Dice the onion and bell peppers, then mince the garlic.

2. Brown the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Ground Beef

Add the remaining olive oil and ground beef to the same skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

4. Add the Vegetables and Spices

Stir in the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for 4 minutes until slightly softened.

Add the smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.

5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Cook the Cabbage

Gradually add the chopped cabbage and stir until coated with the sauce.

Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender.

7. Add the Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.

Taste and adjust the seasonings.

8. Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with cornbread, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Helpful Tips

Use fresh cabbage: Firm green cabbage provides the best texture.

Brown the sausage: This adds a rich, smoky flavor.

Control the heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preference.

Avoid excess liquid: Cabbage releases moisture while cooking, so add extra broth only when needed.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C), adding a splash of broth if needed.

For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

Helpful External Resources

• FoodSafety.gov – Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures
• FoodSafety.gov – Cold Food Storage Chart
• FDA – Safe Food Handling

Final Thoughts

Southern-Style Dirty Cabbage with Ground Beef and Sausage is a delicious one-pan meal filled with tender vegetables, savory meat, and bold Southern flavors. Easy to prepare and wonderfully comforting, it’s perfect for a satisfying homemade family dinner.