Description
A flavorful homemade copycat of Popeyes Cajun Rice featuring seasoned ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and bold Cajun spices mixed with fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup finely minced chicken gizzards (optional)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
Instructions
- Prepare the rice ahead of time and set aside.
- Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Stir in the ground beef and minced gizzards (if using), cooking until browned and crumbled.
- Season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, thyme, and salt.
- Pour in the water or broth and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked rice and mix well, allowing it to warm through and absorb the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Use beef broth instead of water for extra richness.
- Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more heat.
- Ground turkey can replace beef for a lighter version.
- Worcestershire sauce adds depth to the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
