Keto Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage is a bold, comforting dinner packed with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender cabbage, and Cajun seasoning. Each cabbage leaf wraps around a savory filling that is rich with garlic, peppers, onions, and melted cheese, creating a satisfying low-carb meal with plenty of flavor.
The cabbage becomes wonderfully tender while the Cajun-seasoned filling stays juicy and flavorful. It is hearty enough for a family dinner, easy enough for a weeknight, and perfect when you want something different from your usual low-carb meals.
Can This Keto Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage Support Weight Loss Goals?
This recipe can fit into a weight-conscious eating plan because cabbage provides volume and fiber while shrimp offers lean protein. Using a moderate amount of sausage and cheese keeps the dish flavorful without relying on a large amount of carbohydrates. Portion size and the type of sausage used still matter, especially because sausage and cheese can be calorie-dense.
Does This Recipe Fit a High-Protein Lifestyle?
Shrimp provides a substantial amount of lean protein, while sausage adds additional protein and savory flavor.
Cabbage keeps the meal relatively low in carbohydrates while adding fiber and volume.
Using a low-carb sausage and avoiding rice or breadcrumbs keeps the net carbs much lower than traditional stuffed cabbage.
With approximately 30 grams of protein per serving, this dish works especially well as a protein-centered dinner.
Why This Recipe Is Special
- Cajun-inspired flavor: Bold Cajun seasoning gives every bite a savory, slightly spicy kick.
- Protein-packed filling: Shrimp and sausage create a hearty combination.
- Low-carb: Cabbage replaces traditional rice-heavy stuffing.
- Cheesy finish: A little melted cheese brings the filling together.
- One-pan comfort food: Everything finishes together in one baking dish.
My Personal Experience
- The shrimp and sausage combination works perfectly:
The shrimp brings a light, tender texture while the sausage adds smoky richness.
Together, they make the filling taste much more substantial than either ingredient alone. - The cabbage leaves become incredibly tender:
Briefly blanching the cabbage makes the leaves flexible enough to roll without tearing.
Baking them in sauce afterward gives the cabbage a soft, savory texture. - The Cajun seasoning brings everything together:
The spice blend adds warmth and depth without requiring a long list of ingredients.
A little extra seasoning on top makes the finished dish even more flavorful. - The leftovers are surprisingly good:
The flavors have more time to blend after resting overnight.
Reheating gently keeps the filling moist and the cabbage tender.
Perfect For
- Keto dinners
- High-protein meal plans
- Low-carb family meals
- Cajun food lovers
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal prep
- Comfort-food cravings
- Seafood dinners
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein: Shrimp and sausage make this a satisfying protein-focused meal.
- Low in carbs: Tender cabbage replaces traditional high-carb stuffing ingredients.
- Bold flavor: Cajun seasoning, garlic, sausage, and shrimp create a delicious combination.
- Comforting and filling: The cheesy filling makes the cabbage rolls feel like hearty comfort food.
- Meal-prep friendly: Leftovers reheat well for lunch or dinner.
- Customizable heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to your preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the blanching step: Raw cabbage leaves are difficult to roll and can crack easily.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp should be cooked just until pink and opaque before baking.
- Using too much filling: Overfilled cabbage leaves are difficult to close and may burst during baking.
- Choosing a high-carb sausage: Check the nutrition label and choose a sausage with minimal added sugar or fillers.
- Over-salting: Cajun seasoning and sausage can already contain plenty of sodium, so taste before adding extra salt.
Required Equipment
- Large pot: For blanching the cabbage leaves.
- Large skillet: For preparing the shrimp and sausage filling.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides enough space for the stuffed cabbage rolls.
- Tongs: Makes removing and handling the hot cabbage leaves easier.
- Mixing spoon: Helps combine the filling evenly.
- Aluminum foil: Covers the baking dish during the first part of baking.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover stuffed cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them gently in a covered skillet over low heat until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze completely cooled cabbage rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Best Season: Fall and winter
- Approx. Calories: 390 per serving
Short Description
Keto Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage combines tender cabbage leaves with a bold shrimp and sausage filling.
Cajun seasoning, garlic, peppers, and cheese give this low-carb dinner incredible flavor.
It is a hearty, high-protein meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
📝 Ingredients
For the Cabbage
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cajun Filling
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced and finely chopped
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1 cup unsweetened crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Carefully remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves.
Place the whole cabbage into the boiling water and cook for 2–3 minutes.
As the outer leaves soften, carefully remove them with tongs and place them on a plate.
Continue until you have about 12–14 large flexible leaves.
Trim the thick center rib slightly with a sharp knife so each leaf is easier to roll.
2. Prepare the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the olive oil and chopped sausage.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and bell peppers.
Cook for 4–5 minutes over medium heat until the vegetables soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
4. Add the Shrimp
Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet.
Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne if using.
Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, just until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
Do not fully cook the shrimp for an extended period because it will continue cooking in the oven.
5. Finish the Filling
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Fold in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and heavy cream.
Whisk until evenly combined.
Pour about half of the sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Fill the Cabbage Leaves
Place one cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface.
Add approximately 1/3 cup of the shrimp and sausage filling near the bottom center.
Fold the sides inward, then roll the cabbage tightly from the bottom upward.
Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
8. Arrange the Rolls
Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
9. Bake
Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 8–10 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cabbage is completely tender.
For a lightly browned cheesy top, sprinkle a little additional mozzarella over the rolls during the final 5 minutes.
10. Rest and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the cabbage rolls to rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
Serve warm with roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Potassium: 650 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Net Carbs: 8 g
- Sugars: 6 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Calcium: 230 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the sausage, shrimp, cheese, and sauce brands used.
Notes
- Choose medium or large cabbage leaves because they are easier to roll.
- Do not overcook the shrimp before stuffing because it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use a sausage with minimal added sugar for a more keto-friendly result.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
- If the cabbage leaves are difficult to roll, blanch them for another 30–60 seconds.
- For a creamier filling, add 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese to the shrimp mixture.
- Let the rolls rest for several minutes before serving so the filling can settle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat it very dry before adding it to the filling.
Can I use another type of cabbage?
Yes, Savoy cabbage works particularly well because its leaves are naturally flexible.
Can I make these stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them up to 24 hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
How spicy are these cabbage rolls?
They have a moderate Cajun kick, but you can reduce or increase the cayenne and Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
Can I replace the sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or another low-carb sausage can be used.
What can I serve with them?
Cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple leafy salad all pair well with these cabbage rolls.
