Name: Cajun Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 pound ground beef or pork; 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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If you’ve never had the joy of a steaming bowl of Cajun Rice, get ready for a little southern magic in every forkful. This classic dish is a bold, hearty blend of long-grain rice, savory ground meat, and the holy trinity of Cajun cooking—bell pepper, celery, and onion—seasoned with just the right amount of heat and personality. Each bite delivers a harmonious mix of flavors and textures, crowned by fresh green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Cajun Rice isn’t just simple to make; it’s impossible not to love, whether you’re serving it as a side or letting it steal the spotlight as your main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

While the ingredient list for Cajun Rice may look straightforward, every item in this recipe is an MVP when it comes to taste, texture, and that unmistakable Creole flair. Here’s how each one makes the dish sing:

Long-grain white rice: The key to fluffy, separate grains that absorb all the wonderful flavors.
Vegetable oil: Helps brown the meat and soften the veggies for a rich base.
Ground beef or pork: Adds savory depth and gives the dish its hearty character—feel free to use your favorite.
Green bell pepper: Essential for that Cajun “trinity;” brings mellow sweetness and color.
Celery: Lends crunch and a subtle earthiness that rounds out the veggie mix.
Onion: Aromatic and sweet, onions are the backbone of flavor here.
Garlic: Adds a lovely pop of sharpness and aroma.
Cajun seasoning: Delivers the signature spicy kick—adjust to taste for more or less heat.
Paprika: Boosts both color and smokiness, making the rice pop visually and on the palate.
Black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and balance.
Chicken broth: Infuses extra savory depth that water alone can’t match.
Green onions: A fresh, crisp garnish that finishes Cajun Rice with flair and flavor.

How to Make Cajun Rice

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or pork, then break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. You want it browned and crumbly, which means better flavor and texture in every bite of Cajun Rice. Drain any excess fat if needed, but keep just enough to help the veggies sauté beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté the Trinity and Garlic

Once the meat is browned, toss in the green bell pepper, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté everything together for about five minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step is where the kitchen really starts to smell like a Cajun party!

Step 3: Add Spices and Rice

Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Next, sprinkle the uncooked rice right into the pan. Stir well so the rice gets beautifully coated in all those spices and the oil, which helps each grain pick up flavor and color. Don’t rush; this is where Cajun Rice starts to build its unforgettable taste.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed. Don’t peek too often—steam is your friend here for perfectly cooked Cajun Rice.

Step 5: Fluff and Garnish

Take a fork and gently fluff the rice, releasing any trapped steam and separating the grains. Scatter sliced green onions over the top just before serving. The combination of warm, seasoned rice and cool, crisp green onion is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Cajun Rice

Garnishes

Cajun Rice is already vibrant, but a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions or chopped parsley always adds a nice finishing touch. For some extra heat, try a few shakes of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This rice plays well with just about anything. Pair it with fried or blackened chicken, grilled shrimp, or smoky sausages for a Cajun feast. It’s also wonderful alongside collard greens, sautéed okra, or a simple mixed greens salad to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party twist, serve your Cajun Rice stuffed in bell pepper halves or spooned onto a platter with extra cooked shrimp or slices of grilled andouille sausage on top. Individual ramekins or mason jars make it easy for folks to grab and mingle, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Cajun Rice? Lucky you. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for an even tastier lunch or quick weeknight dinner.

Freezing

Cajun Rice freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then scoop into resealable freezer bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to two months—just make sure you press out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, splash a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth over the rice and cover loosely. Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, gently stirring halfway through until piping hot. This keeps Cajun Rice from drying out, so every serving stays as fluffy and delicious as the first.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require extra broth. The end result will be a little nuttier and chewier, but still delicious and full of Cajun flair.

Is there a vegetarian version of Cajun Rice?

You bet—just swap out the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or extra chopped veggies like mushrooms for that hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a fully veggie-friendly version.

How spicy is this Cajun Rice recipe?

This dish is gently spiced, but you’re in control. Turn up the heat with extra Cajun seasoning, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce, or keep it mild for younger eaters.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Cajun Rice is perfect for feeding a group. Just use a larger pot or Dutch oven, and be sure to stir occasionally as it cooks so everything heats evenly.

What’s the difference between Cajun Rice and dirty rice?

The two are closely related, but dirty rice traditionally includes chicken livers and gizzards for a “dirty” color and a richer flavor. This Cajun Rice skips the organ meats but keeps all the bold taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about Cajun Rice that brings a little celebration to the table, no matter the occasion. With its easy steps, knockout flavors, and versatility, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a go and let your kitchen fill with that unmistakable Cajun spirit!

Cajun Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Cajun Rice is a flavorful and spicy rice dish that is perfect as a side or main dish. With a mix of Cajun seasonings, vegetables, and protein, this dish is easy to make and full of delicious Southern flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 pound ground beef or pork

Vegetables:

1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups chicken broth
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and add the ground meat. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the bell pepper, celery, onion, and garlic, and sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Seasonings and Rice: Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Add the rice and stir to coat with the seasonings and oil.
Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve: Fluff with a fork and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.