Cajun Stuffed Cabbage Cups with Shrimp and Sausage

Four Cajun stuffed cabbage cups filled with seasoned shrimp, smoked sausage, rice and diced peppers on an ivory serving platter.

Cajun stuffed cabbage cups with shrimp and sausage bring bold Southern flavor to an easy, colorful dinner. Tender cabbage leaves hold a savory filling with smoky sausage, seasoned shrimp, vegetables, and rice. As a result, each cup is satisfying, flavorful, and easy to serve.

Why This Cajun Stuffed Cabbage Cups Recipe Works

This recipe works because cabbage leaves create naturally portioned cups while the Cajun filling cooks quickly. Meanwhile, sausage adds smoky richness, shrimp cooks fast, and rice makes the meal hearty without requiring a complicated sauce.

Big Cajun flavor: Seasoning, sausage, and aromatics create a bold filling.
Easy portions: Each cabbage cup is simple to fill and serve.
Fast cooking: Shrimp finishes quickly, so dinner stays practical.
Flexible meal: Use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or extra vegetables.
Colorful presentation: The cabbage cups look inviting on a serving platter.

Ingredients

1 large green cabbage
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces smoked sausage, diced
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Cajun Stuffed Cabbage Cups

Prepare the cabbage. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully remove 10–12 cabbage leaves and blanch them for 2–3 minutes, until flexible. Transfer the leaves to ice water, then drain and pat dry.
Brown the sausage. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, until lightly browned.
Cook the vegetables. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Stir occasionally and cook for 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
Add the shrimp and seasoning. Stir in the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the shrimp begin to turn pink.
Finish the filling. Fold in the cooked rice and broth. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is warm and most of the broth is absorbed. Remove from the heat and stir in the green onions and parsley.
Fill the cabbage cups. Spoon about 1/3 cup of filling into each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides inward, or leave the leaves open like cups.
Warm and serve. Arrange the cabbage cups in a covered baking dish. Add a splash of broth, cover, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 5–6

Pro Tips for Cajun Stuffed Cabbage Cups

Choose a cabbage with large, flexible leaves for easier filling.
Do not overcook the shrimp; they should be just opaque and firm.
Taste the filling before adding extra salt because Cajun seasoning and sausage can be salty.
For a spicier dish, add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Save the small inner cabbage leaves for soup, slaw, or another recipe.

Storage Instructions

Cool the cabbage cups promptly, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot, or warm individual portions in the microwave. For best texture, avoid freezing because cooked shrimp and cabbage can become watery.

FAQ About Cajun Stuffed Cabbage Cups

Can I use cooked shrimp?

Yes. Add cooked shrimp with the rice during the final step and warm gently, rather than cooking it with the vegetables.

Can I make these cabbage cups without rice?

Absolutely. Replace the rice with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or extra sautéed vegetables.

How spicy are these stuffed cabbage cups?

The heat depends on the Cajun seasoning. For a milder version, use a salt-free blend and add spice gradually.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the filling up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate it, and assemble the cabbage cups when ready to bake.

If you love bold Cajun flavors, try my Cajun Shrimp and Rice next for another easy, satisfying dinner packed with smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and plenty of seasoning.