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Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice

Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice brings the bold flavors of the famous fast-food favorite right to your kitchen. Made with seasoned ground beef, chicken gizzards, and a blend of Cajun spices, this dish is a perfect side or main meal. Enjoy authentic Southern flavor with this easy, one-pot recipe!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups long-grain rice
  • 4 cups beef broth

For the Cajun Meat Mixture:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
  • ½ cup chicken gizzards, minced
  • ½ green bell pepper, minced
  • ½ yellow onion, minced

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Additional Liquid:

  • ½ cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

  1. Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large Dutch oven, combine the rice and 4 cups of beef broth.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  4. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 2: Cook the Meat & Vegetables

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and minced chicken gizzards, breaking them apart as they cook.
  3. Stir in the green bell pepper and yellow onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until vegetables soften.

Step 3: Season & Simmer

  1. Stir in the garlic powder, celery seed, Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
  2. Pour in ½ cup of water and mix well.
  3. Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

  1. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and add it to the skillet with the meat mixture.
  2. Stir well to evenly coat the rice with the seasonings and meat.
  3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat.
  4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
  • For extra spice, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
  • To make it vegetarian, replace the beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
  • Freeze for later by placing portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish / Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun, Southern

Nutrition

  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg