Description
A copycat version of Popeyes’ Cajun Rice — a flavorful, spicy seasoned rice with vegetables and meat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb (≈ 225 g) ground beef (or a mix of ground beef & chicken)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for color & depth)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or meat mix). Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- If using, stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the spices: paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables.
- Add the drained rice, stirring to combine with the meat and vegetables so that rice is coated in the seasoning.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water + bouillon). Stir gently, then bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 18–20 minutes (or per package instructions for your rice), until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off heat and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Season with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne as desired. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef (or omit meat for a vegetarian version).
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference.
- If you like a bit more color, you can add a pinch of turmeric or a little more paprika.
- Leftovers reheat well. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep rice moist.
- For extra flavor, you can sauté a little chopped celery or add a bay leaf while simmering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (≈ 185 g, estimate)
- Calories: ≈ 250 kcal
- Sugar: ≈ 2 g
- Sodium: ≈ 500 mg
- Fat: ≈ 7 g
- Saturated Fat: ≈ 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ≈ 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈ 35 g
- Fiber: ≈ 2 g
- Protein: ≈ 8 g
- Cholesterol: ≈ 25 mg
