If you love bold flavors with just the right amount of heat, then Cajun Spiced Rice is about to become your new favorite side dish! This dish is packed with smoky, spicy, and savory goodness, making it the perfect companion to grilled meats, seafood, or even as a standalone meal. The best part? It’s super easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
This Cajun Spiced Rice has that classic Cajun kick, thanks to a blend of spices like paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper. Whether you like it mildly spiced or fiery hot, you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste. One thing’s for sure—every bite is packed with deep, comforting flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana!
I still remember the first time I had Cajun Spiced Rice. I was visiting a friend in New Orleans, and we stopped at a small family-run restaurant known for its authentic Cajun dishes. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked. The combination of smoky, slightly spicy rice with rich, earthy flavors was unlike anything I had tasted before.
So, if you’re looking to spice up your meals with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, give Cajun Spiced Rice a try. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cajun Spiced Rice
- Packed with Flavor: Smoky, spicy, and savory all in one dish.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
- Pairs with Everything: Great with chicken, shrimp, or veggies.
- Customizable Spice Level: Make it as mild or as spicy as you like.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, more flavor!
Health Benefits of Cajun Spiced Rice
While it’s known for its bold flavors, this dish also comes with some health benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Spices like paprika and cayenne have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Good Source of Energy: Rice provides long-lasting energy and keeps you full.
- High in Fiber: Can be made with brown rice for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Low in Fat: A lighter alternative to heavier Cajun dishes.
Best Occasions to Enjoy Cajun Spiced Rice
This dish fits so many occasions! Here are just a few ways to enjoy it:
- Weeknight Dinners: Quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
- BBQs & Cookouts: A perfect side for grilled meats and seafood.
- Potlucks & Gatherings: Always a crowd-pleaser.
- Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully.
- Comfort Food Night: Spicy, warm, and full of southern charm.
Chef’s Notes: Cajun Spiced Rice
- Thoroughly brown the meats to develop a richer flavor before adding liquids.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables for balance.
- For extra heat, add diced tomatoes, hot sauce, or an extra pinch of cayenne.
- Preparing chopped vegetables and spices in advance speeds up cooking.
- Long-grain rice works best for a fluffy texture—avoid short-grain varieties.
- If using chicken livers, chop them finely to blend seamlessly into the dish.
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami depth.
Cajun Spiced Rice
4
5
minutes35
minutes594
kcal10
minutes50
minutesExperience the bold, soulful flavors of this one-pot Cajun spiced rice dish that masterfully blends lean ground beef, savory pork sausage, and tender chicken livers with crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs. Every bite bursts with a delightful harmony of spices and textures, perfect for a comforting dinner or a festive dinner party. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dynamic plate of robust, authentic Southern cuisine that promises both ease and excitement in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Meat Mixture
½ lb lean ground beef (80/20 blend)
½ lb pork sausage broken up into small crumbles
½ cup finely chopped chicken livers or gizzards optional; can be replaced with small diced chicken thighs
- Spice and Flour Blend
1 tsp table salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable Base
1 large onion diced into small pieces
½ cup celery diced
1 green bell pepper cubed
3 cloves garlic minced finely
- Herbs Seasonings
2 tsp Cajun spice blend
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp dried thyme
- Rice Broth
2 cups long-grain white rice or basmati as an alternative
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Finishing Touch
½ cup sliced green onions
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Alternative Ingredients
Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey for a leaner version.
Replace pork sausage with turkey sausage or chicken sausage if preferred.
Chicken livers may be swapped with small diced chicken thighs or omitted entirely for a milder taste.
All-purpose flour can be exchanged with rice flour for a gluten-free option.
If celery is scarce diced carrots can serve as a flavorful alternative.
Vegetable broth may replace chicken broth for a different flavor profile or to suit dietary needs.
Custom Cajun seasoning can be homemade using paprika garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
Directions
- Browning Meats – Begin by heating a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef, pork sausage, and chicken livers together with a dash of salt and pepper, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. Allow the meats to cook for about 6–7 minutes until they are beautifully browned and crumbly; optionally, you may brown each type separately to intensify the flavor profile.
- Building the Base – Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the browned meat and stir for an extra minute to form a light roux. Next, incorporate diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper, and sauté these vegetables for approximately 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the minced garlic along with Cajun spice blend, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaves, stirring for an additional 2 minutes to merge the aromatic flavors.
- Simmering Rice – Stir in the long-grain white rice and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer undisturbed for about 20 minutes. Once done, remove the pan from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes with the lid on; uncover to fluff the rice gently with a fork, replace the lid, and let it rest for another 5 minutes, absorbing all the savory goodness.
- Final Assembly – Finish by folding in the sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant garnish. Give the dish one final gentle stir to distribute the herbs evenly. Serve your Cajun spiced rice warm, accompanied by a side salad or your favorite pickled vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- measuring cups and spoons
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, ensure you brown the meats thoroughly before adding any liquids. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or lightly pickled vegetables to balance the richness. Feel free to experiment by adding diced tomatoes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier kick. Additionally, preparing chopped vegetables and measured spices in advance can streamline your cooking process for a quicker weeknight meal. Enjoy the hearty comfort and versatility of this one-pan recipe!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 594kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 144mg
- Sodium: 875mg
- Potassium: 743mg
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Vitamin A: 3584IU
- Vitamin C: 32mg
- Calcium: 73mg
- Iron: 6mg
FAQs: Cajun Spiced Rice
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Can I freeze Cajun spiced rice?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
What’s the best rice for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice or basmati works best. Avoid short-grain rice, as it can become too sticky.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace meats with mushrooms, black beans, or plant-based sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I make it spicier?
Increase the cayenne, add diced jalapeños, or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the broth and cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
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