Dirty Cabbage: A Low-Carb Twist on Dirty Rice

A Soulful Spin on Dirty Rice

If you love dirty rice, wait until you taste this Dirty Cabbage from @chefjesionthomas. It’s got all the flavor you crave—savory ground beef, spicy andouille sausage, vibrant peppers and onions, and deep Southern seasoning—but swaps the rice for tender cabbage. The result? A hearty, low-carb dish that still eats like pure comfort food.

This is the perfect way to load up on veggies while keeping things bold and satisfying. Cooked down until soft, smoky, and seasoned through, the cabbage soaks up every bit of flavor from the sausage, broth, and spices. Served with cornbread or Jiffy mix on the side, this dish is proof you can keep carbs light without losing soul.

Ingredients

Proteins

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb andouille sausage

Aromatics & Veggies

• 1 small onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 3 stalks celery
• 2 tbsp garlic
• 1 small head cabbage

Seasoning & Flavor

• ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• ½ tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Meat

• Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• Add onion, red pepper, green pepper, celery, and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant.

3. Add the Cabbage

• Pile in the chopped cabbage with a splash of water, then cover and let it steam down.

4. Season It Up

• Stir in chicken bouillon, Creole seasoning, chili flakes, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Simmer and Finish

• Cook everything together for 15–20 minutes until cabbage is tender and flavors are fully absorbed.

6. Serve Hot

• Enjoy with cornbread or Jiffy on the side for a complete, comforting meal.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Go spicier by adding extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce at the end.
• Switch up the meat with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based crumbles.
• Don’t skip the vinegar—it brightens the cabbage like Southern greens.
• Make it a meal prep—this dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

About the Creator

This recipe is by Chef Jesi, the creative force behind @chefjesionthomas. Known for bold, soulful cooking and innovative spins on comfort food classics, Chef Jesi always delivers dishes that feel familiar but taste brand new.

Chef Jesi | @chefjesionthomas

Watch it Come Together