Cajun Beef and Sausage Jambalaya

A hearty Cajun-inspired one-pot dish of ground beef, smoked sausage, rice, and vegetables simmered in bold spices and tomatoes for a rich, flavorful meal.

This Cajun-style skillet meal combines hearty ground beef and smoky sausage with a classic trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery, all simmered together with rice, tomatoes, and bold seasonings. The spices infuse every bite with rich flavor, while the rice cooks directly in the broth, soaking up all the savory goodness. Finished with fresh green onions and a dash of hot sauce, it’s a comforting, one-pot dish that’s both filling and full of Southern charm.

Servings

4-6

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Total Time

50 minutes

Fresh
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Packaged
1½ cups long-grain rice (uncooked)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
3 cups beef or chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil (only if beef is very lean)

Seasoning
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
2 bay leaves
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Serving
Hot sauce, to taste

Preparation

  • Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and celery into small, even pieces.
  • Mince the garlic and thinly slice the green onions for garnish.
  • Slice the smoked sausage into rounds.
  • Rinse the rice under cool water and drain well.
  • Measure out the tomatoes, broth, and all seasonings so everything is ready to add.

Cooking

  • Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and olive oil if needed, then cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
  • Push the beef to one side and add the sliced sausage. Let it sear until lightly browned, then stir everything together. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  • Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables.
  • Stir in the rinsed rice and cook briefly to lightly toast it in the seasonings.
  • Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, the broth, and the bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for a few minutes. Discard the bay leaves and fluff with a fork.

Serving

  • Garnish with sliced green onions.
  • Serve hot with hot sauce on the side.
  • Enjoy as a hearty one-pot meal.