The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
Need a quick and easy recipe to feed a hungry crew? Look no further than this Sausage Gumbo! Plus, this dinner is under 400 calories per serving.
This recipe serves 8 people, costs around $12.46 to make, and about $1.56 per serving. AND this dinner is under 400 calories per serving.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Love About This Easy Sausage Gumbo:
- Great for Leftovers: Doubling the recipe allows for delicious leftovers, which is a fantastic time-saving benefit.
- Filling and Flavorful: Our recipe is filling and brings Southern hospitality with a rich and satisfying taste.
- Perfect for Weeknights: Make this dish in the afternoon and then keep it warm for busy days, making it super convenient for hectic schedules.
- Easy and Budget-Friendly: Sausage Gumbo is easy to make and won’t break the bank, which is appealing to all families.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil – $0.13
- 1 large green bell pepper – $0.62
- 3 stalks of celery – $0.35
- 1 yellow onion – $0.62
- 1 pound smoked sausage – $2.98
- 4 cups water – $0.00
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes – $0.24
- ¾ cup long-grain white rice – $0.48
- 64 oz jar Ragu or Classico pasta sauce – $3.98
- 2 cups shredded chicken – $2.08
- 1 cup canned or frozen corn – $0.98
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in March 2024.
How To Make Sausage Gumbo:
***For full recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes (or until rice is tender).
- Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Protein: Chicken can be substituted with shrimp or additional smoked sausage.
- Vegetables: Feel free to use what you have on hand.
- Okra: Add a bag of frozen okra during step 4.
- Spice: Serve hot sauce on the side for adjustable heat levels.
Storage Tips
SERVE: Keep warm for up to 4 hours on low heat with the lid on.
STORE: Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 5 days.
FREEZE: This recipe freezes beautifully. Here’s how:
- Prepare the recipe up to step 4. Then, transfer the gumbo to freezer Ziploc gallon bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. The night before you cook the gumbo, put it in the fridge to defrost, then continue with step 4 of the recipe below.
Sausage Gumbo Recipe FAQs:
What makes gumbo a gumbo?
Gumbo is a melting pot of spicy and tangy flavors, a comforting stew dish served over rice.
Are gumbo and jambalaya the same thing?
The main difference between gumbo and jambalaya is how it is served. Gumbo is served over rice, while jambalaya is cooked as a casserole in the same pot as the rice.
What is the best sausage for gumbo?
We prefer to use hot links. We like the additional spicy kick the seasoned sausage link gives.
What to Serve with Cindy’s Gumbo?
The stew is full of vegetables, so you can serve any of these breads with it that would be oh-so delicious dipped in the gumbo:
Get Kids Involved
Ages 2-3: Your little one can help pour the ingredients into the pot. This is a great opportunity to teach your child about the different ingredients needed for the recipe.
Ages 4-5: With supervision, they can help measure small amounts with measuring cups. This can be a great counting activity.
Ages 6-8: Let them help open and measure the various ingredients. You may need to teach them to use a can opener. Let your kiddo then pour them into the pot and stir them in.
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe unsupervised while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Budget Tips
We love making Bulk Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for meal prep for recipes like this one. It not only saves time but money also when you buy frozen chicken in bulk.
More From Easy Budget Recipes
Cindy’s Easy Gumbo Recipe
Equipment
- cutting board
- knife
- large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper chopped
- 3 stalks of celery chopped
- 1 pound smoked sausage cut into ½-inch slices (we like hot links)
- 4 cups water
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes
- ¾ cup long-grain white rice
- 64 oz jar Ragu or Classico pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup canned or frozen corn
Instructions
- First, add olive oil to the bottom of a large pot and heat the pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery and saute for 5 minutes.
- Next, add the remaining ingredients in the pot and increase the heat to medium-high.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling bubble, and then reduce the heat to low and simmer the gumbo for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Serve and enjoy!
Jamie says
This is such a heart, comforting meal and I love how cost effective it is per serving! Amazing!
Jess Jankowski says
It is amazing to see the price when you break it down per serving. Very affordable for a great meal!
Megan Ellam says
I love all these flavours in this gumbo. I just swap the rice and corn for some cauliflower rice and bacon for a great keto version. Thanks for delicious inspiration.
Jess Jankowski says
What a great substitution! Thanks for the tip!
Valentina says
Such a great, comforting bowl of food as we are entering fall. Love it!
Jess Jankowski says
So excited for Fall and all the foods it brings with it!
Patty at Spoonabilities says
There is so much goodness going on in this gumbo! Love the sausage and all the flavors & veggies. And how economical it is, is the best part! Love this recipe!
Jess Jankowski says
It is a win-win all the way around!!
Jeannette says
Oh my…this weather is perfect for a gumbo! I’ve never thought to put sausage in a gumbo, but I say bring it on! Thanks for sharing, Jess!
Jess Jankowski says
Bring it on for sure! Can’t wait for you to try it! It’s delish!
Love Keil says
Wow! This recipe looks super delicious, pinning!
Jess Jankowski says
Thanks for pinning it! Easy access to use again and again!
Ashley says
This was really easy to make and so good too. We will definitely make this again!
Jess Jankowski says
Awesome! So glad you liked it. Thank you so much for the feedback!