Hey there, food lovers! Welcome back to Life with Jeviko! If there’s one thing I can never resist, it’s a dish that’s bold, comforting, and packed with flavor. And if you’ve ever had Popeyes Cajun Rice, you know exactly what I mean. That smoky, slightly spicy rice with savory bits of meat? Absolutely mouthwatering!
But, here’s the heartbreak… Popeyes took it off the menu! I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. So, after plenty of experimenting, I finally nailed a copycat Cajun rice recipe that’s just as good—maybe even better!
This dish is hearty, bursting with Cajun spices, and comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate sidekick to fried chicken, BBQ, or even a simple grilled steak. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
If you’re craving that Louisiana-style flavor, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Deep, rich flavors – A smoky, savory balance with the perfect amount of spice.
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Tastes just like Popeyes (or better!) – You won’t believe how spot on this is!
- Great for meal prep – Reheats beautifully for leftovers.
- Versatile – Pair it with anything from fried chicken to seafood!
What kind of rice should I use?
Long-grain white rice is best because it stays fluffy and separate. Avoid short-grain varieties, which tend to get sticky.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild heat, but you can crank it up by adding extra cayenne, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños.
Can I swap out the ground beef?
Yes! Popeyes traditionally used a mix of ground beef and chicken gizzards. You can also use ground pork or smoked sausage for a slightly different twist.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
Chicken broth works just as well, and if you’re in a pinch, vegetable broth will do the trick too.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- ½ pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
- Set a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Let it cook until nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving just a bit behind for extra flavor.
- Add butter, diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for 3-4 minutes, until everything softens and smells incredible.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, white pepper, and salt. Stir well and let the seasonings toast for about 30 seconds to deepen their flavor.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it in the flavorful mixture. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using).
- Turn the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed. No peeking! Keeping the lid on is the secret to perfectly fluffy rice.
- Take the pan off the heat and let the rice sit (covered) for 5 minutes. Then, fluff it up with a fork and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Cajun Rice:
- Toast the spices! Letting them cook briefly before adding liquid enhances their richness.
- For authentic texture, pulse the cooked beef in a food processor for a finer consistency.
- Smoky boost? Add a couple of drops of liquid smoke or an extra pinch of smoked paprika.
- No mushy rice! Stick to the right broth-to-rice ratio and don’t over-stir after adding liquid.
- Make it a meal! Throw in smoked sausage, grilled shrimp, or shredded chicken for a heartier version.
Serving Ideas:
🍗 With Fried Chicken – The perfect Southern combo!
🌮 As a Taco Filling – Adds a spicy twist to tacos.
🥩 Next to a Juicy Steak – Elevates your meal.
🍤 With Blackened Shrimp – A seafood lover’s dream.
🥬 Alongside Collard Greens – A true Louisiana feast.
