Name: Cajun Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef or pork sausage; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 green bell pepper (diced); 2 celery stalks (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish); Salt and black pepper to taste

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If you’re craving a dish that’s brimming with bold Southern flavor, vibrant color, and a cozy kick, this Cajun Rice Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. With tender grains of rice, deeply seasoned ground meat, and a sprinkle of crisp veggies, every bite is a fantastic balance of savory and spicy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy make-ahead side, this recipe brings the tastes of Louisiana right to your kitchen—all in one skillet!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Cajun Rice Recipe irresistible? It’s all in the essentials. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, building up those smoky, umami, and peppery layers that define Creole comfort. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Olive oil: Provides a subtle richness and helps everything get golden and aromatic as it sautés.
Ground beef or pork sausage: The heart and soul of the dish—this protein soaks up all the Cajun spices, making each bite satisfyingly robust.
Onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth that anchors the overall flavor.
Green bell pepper (diced): Lends crunch and a fresh burst of color; classic in every Louisiana rice dish.
Celery (diced): Brings a subtle earthiness and keeps things aromatic—don’t skip it!
Garlic (minced): Elevates the savory notes and infuses the rice with gentle warmth.
Cajun seasoning: The main event for spice—choose your favorite blend for your preferred punch.
Paprika: Layers in a smoky, warm note that rounds out the heat perfectly.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Want extra fire? This is your friend for dialing up the spice.
Long-grain white rice: The foundation—fluffy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up all those flavors.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and richness as it simmers.
Green onions (sliced, for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness right before serving—plus, it looks gorgeous!
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for bringing it all together and making the flavors sing.

How to Make Cajun Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add your ground beef or pork sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté until you see those lovely browned bits and the meat is fully cooked through, which should take 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, give it a quick drain for a lighter finish.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Toss in your chopped onions, diced green bell pepper, and celery. Keep things moving in the skillet for 4 to 5 minutes—you’re looking for the veggies to soften and start mingling with the meat. Sprinkle in that minced garlic, giving it all another 30 seconds to mix and get fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Rice & Add Seasonings

Now, sprinkle in your Cajun seasoning, paprika, and (if you’re feeling daring) the cayenne pepper. Pour in your uncooked long-grain rice, giving everything a good stir. Let it toast for about 1 to 2 minutes. This brief toasting step gives the rice a subtle nutty flavor and prevents mushiness later.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty bits from the pan’s bottom. Stir everything together, bring it to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes—resist the urge to peek! This lets the rice absorb all that spicy, savory goodness.

Step 5: Let It Rest & Fluff

After the simmer is up, remove your skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This step is where magic happens—the grains finish steaming and stay perfectly fluffy. Then, uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Scatter sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch and a burst of color. Your Cajun Rice Recipe is ready to wow the table!

How to Serve Cajun Rice Recipe

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, scatter a generous handful of fresh sliced green onions or chopped parsley over your Cajun Rice Recipe. If you like, a light dusting of extra paprika adds both visual appeal and a whisper of smokiness. Want more freshness? A lemon wedge on the side offers a tangy contrast to the spicy warmth.

Side Dishes

Classic sides pair beautifully here—think creamy coleslaw, roasted corn, or skillet-fried okra. If you want to make this a filling main, serve it with blackened chicken, fried catfish, or even juicy grilled shrimp. The Cajun Rice Recipe is hearty enough to shine solo, but these extras really bring a full Southern feast to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful spin, spoon the Cajun Rice Recipe into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until tender, or use it as a flavor-packed stuffing for roasted tomatoes. Serve small portions in cups for a fun party appetizer, or pile it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. The vibrant colors and bold flavors always impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a breeze. Scoop any remaining Cajun Rice Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to four days, and the flavors deepen even more as they mingle—hello, delicious next-day lunch!

Freezing

For longer storage, spoon the cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a taste of the Bayou, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from frozen with a splash of broth or water to revive that fresh-cooked texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth and warm the rice gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and cover to keep in the moisture—the rice will be fluffy and fragrant, just like it was first made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! While long-grain white rice is traditional for the Cajun Rice Recipe, you can swap in brown rice for extra nuttiness and fiber—just increase the cooking time and add a splash more broth. Jasmine or basmati rice also work, though you’ll get a slightly different texture.

Is Cajun Rice Recipe very spicy?

The spice level is totally in your hands! The recipe as written has a mellow, pleasant warmth; for more fire, crank up the cayenne or use a spicier sausage. For a milder version, simply skip the cayenne and use a mild sausage or ground meat.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, the Cajun Rice Recipe is easy to vegetarian-ize! Leave out the meat and use vegetable broth. For added heartiness, stir in sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or even diced roasted sweet potatoes near the end.

What should I do if my rice is too wet or sticky?

If your rice has a bit too much liquid, remove the lid and cook over very low heat, stirring gently, until the excess moisture evaporates. Try not to stir too much—this helps keep those grains fluffy and separate.

How can I meal-prep this dish?

Just double the Cajun Rice Recipe and portion it into grab-and-go containers. Prepare all your garnishes and sides ahead of time, store separately, and assemble before eating for the freshest flavor. It’s a fantastic option for busy days!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a trip down to Louisiana without leaving your kitchen, try this Cajun Rice Recipe and see for yourself how quickly it becomes a star at your dinner table. With bold flavors, easy ingredients, and endless ways to make it your own, this recipe brings everyone together—so dig in and savor every bite!

Cajun Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cajun Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together a mix of spices, meat, vegetables, and rice to create a delicious one-pot meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a gathering, this Cajun-inspired dish is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cajun Rice:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or pork sausage
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add vegetables and spices: Add chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and uncooked rice. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Cook rice: Pour in the chicken broth, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.