Bring a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen with this Cajun Rice Recipe — a hearty, flavor-packed dish full of bold spices, tender rice, and aromatic vegetables. Often called “dirty rice” in the South, this Cajun classic combines ground meat, bell peppers, onion, and celery (known as the holy trinity of Cajun cooking) with smoky seasonings and fluffy rice. It’s a comforting one-pan meal that’s simple to make yet rich in flavor. I’ve made this dish for weeknight dinners and potlucks alike, and it never fails to impress. Whether served as a side or the main event, this recipe captures the soulful, spicy essence of Cajun cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cajun Rice is quick, satisfying, and versatile. It can be served alongside fried chicken, grilled shrimp, or eaten on its own as a full meal. The depth of flavor from the spices, herbs, and vegetables makes it a standout dish, while the easy one-pan method means minimal cleanup.
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Cajun Rice Recipe – Spicy, Savory, and Packed with Southern Flavor
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Cajun Rice recipe is a flavorful Southern-style dish packed with bold spices, tender rice, and sautéed vegetables. Infused with classic Cajun seasonings, it’s the perfect side dish or hearty base for grilled meats, seafood, or chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground sausage or ground beef (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- If using sausage or ground beef, add it to the pan and cook until browned. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Add onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in rice, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the rice and release flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff rice with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference — add cayenne for extra heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pairs perfectly with blackened chicken, grilled shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Creole
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Long-grain white rice serves as the perfect base, absorbing the flavors of the spices and broth while staying fluffy and separate.
Ground beef or pork adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. You can also use ground turkey or sausage for variety.
Bell pepper, onion, and celery form the holy trinity of Cajun cuisine — the foundation for that unmistakable aroma and flavor.
Garlic enhances the savory base with its pungent, aromatic richness.
Cajun seasoning is the heart of this dish, bringing together paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and black pepper for a smoky, spicy kick.
Smoked paprika adds extra depth and a subtle smoky note that complements the meat perfectly.
Chicken broth infuses the rice with savory flavor as it cooks, making it more flavorful than using water.
Worcestershire sauce provides umami and complexity, tying together the savory elements.
Green onions add a fresh, mild bite at the end, balancing the spice.
Salt and black pepper ensure perfect seasoning from start to finish.
Oil or butter is used for sautéing and helps the ingredients develop a rich, deep flavor as they cook.
Directions
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat each grain with the seasonings and oil. Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Fluff the rice with a fork, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in chopped green onions before serving. Serve hot as a main dish or as a hearty side.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 25 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice, or microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Cajun Rice – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Cajun Chicken Rice – Substitute the ground beef with diced chicken breast or thighs.
Shrimp Cajun Rice – Stir in cooked shrimp at the end for a seafood twist.
Vegetarian Cajun Rice – Skip the meat and add kidney beans or black beans for protein.
Sausage and Rice Skillet – Use Cajun or Andouille sausage for a smoky, authentic flavor.
Cheesy Cajun Rice – Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese just before serving.
Tomato Cajun Rice – Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a richer, slightly tangy flavor.
Cajun Fried Rice – Use leftover rice and fry everything together for a quicker version.
Low-Carb Version – Swap the rice for cauliflower rice for a lighter, grain-free option.
Herb Infusion – Add a sprinkle of thyme, oregano, or parsley for a fresh herbal aroma.
FAQs
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes and add extra broth.
Is Cajun rice spicy?
It’s mildly spicy by default, but you can adjust the heat by adding or reducing cayenne.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I serve with Cajun rice?
Fried chicken, grilled shrimp, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
How can I prevent soggy rice?
Don’t over-stir while it’s simmering and ensure the ratio of liquid to rice is correct.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, reduce broth to half and simmer for a shorter time — about 10 minutes.
What protein works best?
Ground beef, pork, or Cajun sausage are traditional and flavorful options.
Can I freeze Cajun rice?
Yes, cool completely before freezing in portions for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This Cajun Rice Recipe delivers everything you love about Southern comfort food — bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a hint of spice in every bite. With its one-pan simplicity and deeply seasoned taste, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Whether served as a side or the main dish, this recipe captures the warmth and soul of Louisiana cooking.
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