Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage Cups

Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage Cups

Some dinners don’t rush you. They sit heavy and warm on the table, filling the kitchen with rich aromas and inviting everyone to slow down.

These Cajun shrimp and sausage cabbage cups belong to that kind of meal. Rustic, bold, and deeply comforting, they bring together tender roasted cabbage, smoky sausage, and juicy shrimp in a dish that feels familiar yet special.

Why Cabbage Cups Work So Well

Roasted cabbage transforms in the oven. What starts firm and slightly bitter becomes tender, lightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold a generous filling without falling apart.

Instead of wrapping or rolling, hollowed cabbage cups act like natural bowls, soaking up buttery Cajun juices while keeping every bite balanced.

• Sturdy enough to hold hearty fillings
• Tender without becoming mushy
• Soaks up flavor beautifully

Servings

Serves 4 people (about one cabbage cup per person)

Ingredients

Cabbage Cups

• 2 small to medium green cabbage heads (or 4 large halves)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Filling

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed)
• 12 ounces smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ cup chicken broth (for the baking dish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage Cups

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut each cabbage head in half and carefully hollow out the centers, leaving thick, sturdy walls to form bowl-like cups.

2. Season and Roast

Brush the cabbage cups with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. Arrange them in a baking dish and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the dish, around the cabbage (not inside).

Roast uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown and the cabbage softens.

This step is key — it ensures the cabbage becomes tender without turning limp later.

3. Build the Filling

While the cabbage roasts, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and sear until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper until softened and fragrant.

4. Add Shrimp and Seasoning

Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic. Stir in the butter, shrimp, and Cajun seasoning.

Cook just until the shrimp turn pink, then return the sausage to the pan and toss everything together.

5. Fill and Finish Baking

Remove the cabbage cups from the oven and fill each one generously with the shrimp and sausage mixture.

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cabbage is fully tender and the tops look glossy and sizzling.

6. Serve

Spoon the pan juices over each cabbage cup and serve hot.

Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Tips for Best Results

• Do not overcook the shrimp during stovetop cooking — they finish in the oven.
• Use smoked sausage for depth; fresh sausage won’t give the same flavor.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce Cajun seasoning slightly and add paprika instead.
• Spoon the broth from the baking dish over the cabbage just before serving for extra moisture.

Serving Ideas

These cabbage cups are filling on their own, but they pair beautifully with:

• Crusty bread to soak up the juices
• Simple rice or mashed potatoes
• A fresh green salad for balance

Why This Dish Feels Like Home

This is the kind of dinner that doesn’t try to impress — it simply delivers comfort.

Bold Cajun flavors, tender vegetables, and a slow oven finish create a meal that brings people to the table and keeps them there.

Warm, hearty, and meant to be eaten slowly — just like the old days.