Introduction
Low-carb comfort meets bold Southern flavor in this one-pan keto masterpiece. Tender cabbage halves are transformed into edible bowls, filled with a smoky, spicy blend of andouille sausage, plump shrimp, onions, and bell peppers—all baked to golden perfection.
Finished with a gooey layer of melted cheese, these Cajun Stuffed Cabbage Bowls are hearty, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between indulgence and nutrition. Ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners, this recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing soul food flavor.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average stuffed vegetable—it’s New Orleans soul food made keto-friendly. Each bite brings together rich spice, smoked meat, and juicy seafood, creating a satisfying dish that’s both comforting and vibrant.
You’ll love it because:
- 🌿 Perfect for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets
- 🕐 Ready in under 60 minutes
- 🍲 Meal prep–friendly (even better the next day)
- 🔥 Packed with authentic Cajun flavor
🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Cabbage Bowls
- 2 medium green cabbages (about 1½ lbs each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for brushing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cajun Filling
- 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa)
- ½ lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon fat (adds smoky depth)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Finish
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep the Cabbage
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Trim and core each cabbage, creating a bowl-shaped cavity (~3 inches wide).
- Brush insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place cabbages snugly in a 9×13-inch baking dish or deep skillet.
2. Cook the Cajun Filling
- Heat olive oil or bacon fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and peppers; sauté 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sausage slices and brown for 5–6 minutes.
- Push to one side and add shrimp.
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cook 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
3. Stuff the Cabbage
- Divide the filling evenly among cabbage bowls.
- (Optional) Add half the cheese inside before stuffing, and the rest on top.
4. Bake Until Tender
- Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake 40–50 minutes until the cabbage is fork-tender and caramelized on the edges.
- Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more for a golden finish.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Slice into wedges or scoop with a spoon.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Perfect sides:
🥦 Garlic butter broccoli | 🥗 Crisp green salad | 🍚 Cauliflower rice
💡 You Must Know
- ✅ Use firm cabbages—they hold their shape better when baked.
- 🔥 Smoked sausage matters—andouille adds Cajun heat; kielbasa brings richness.
- ⏳ Rest before serving—it helps flavors settle.
- 🧊 Freezer-friendly—cool fully, then freeze before or after baking.
- 🍽 Even better next day—flavors deepen overnight.
🥄 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked sausage | Chorizo, chicken sausage, or turkey bacon bits | Adjust spice level |
| Shrimp | Chicken, scallops, or mushrooms | Protein variety |
| Bell peppers | Zucchini, celery, or poblano peppers | Seasonal swaps |
| Cheese | Omit or use pepper jack | Dairy-free or spicier option |
| Cajun seasoning | Homemade mix (paprika, garlic, cayenne, oregano, thyme) | Control salt & heat |
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve family-style right in the skillet.
- Great for potlucks or gatherings—it travels well.
- Double the batch and freeze half for later.
- Perfect lunchbox meal—just reheat and enjoy.
🌍 Cultural Context
Rooted in the bold, soulful spirit of Louisiana Creole cuisine, this dish fuses traditional Cajun flavors with a modern keto twist. It captures everything Southern cooking stands for—comfort, spice, and heart—without the carbs.
This is low-carb food that feeds the soul.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Double the recipe for a crowd.
- Love heat? Add hot sauce or extra cayenne.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Always label your dish—people will ask for the recipe!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make mini versions?
A: Yes! Use smaller cabbage heads or halves for individual portions.
Q: Why did my cabbage fall apart?
A: Overbaking or using thin-walled cabbage—choose dense, heavy heads.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—just use certified GF sausage and seasoning.
Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours until tender.
Q: Air fry version?
A: Yes—cook individual portions at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway.
⚠️ Allergy Information
- Contains: shellfish (shrimp), dairy (if cheese used), wheat (in some sausages).
- Gluten-free if using certified GF sausage and seasoning.
- Nut-free.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. – Without Cheese)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Net Carbs: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 880mg
✨ Final Thoughts
These Keto Cajun Cabbage Bowls emerge from the oven bubbling and fragrant—comfort food at its purest. They don’t shout; they speak warmth.
Golden edges, smoky shrimp, and that irresistible Cajun aroma… this dish doesn’t just fill your plate—it fills your kitchen with Southern soul.
Pull up a chair, grab your fork, and savor a taste of Louisiana—keto style.
