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
- Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large Dutch oven, combine the rice and 4 cups of beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
Step 2: Cook the Meat & Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and minced chicken gizzards, breaking them apart as they cook.
- Stir in the green bell pepper and yellow onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until vegetables soften.
Step 3: Season & Simmer
- Stir in the garlic powder, celery seed, Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Pour in ½ cup of water and mix well.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and add it to the skillet with the meat mixture.
- Stir well to evenly coat the rice with the seasonings and meat.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat.
- 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