Popeyes-Style Cajun Rice with Ground Beef and Spice (Print version)

A hearty Popeyes-style Cajun rice copycat with ground beef, fluffy rice, bell pepper, green onions, and warm spice.

# Ingredients:

For the rice

01 - 1 1/2 cups (300 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
02 - 2 1/4 cups (530 ml) water or low-sodium beef broth
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Cajun beef mixture

04 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
05 - 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
06 - 1/4 lb (115 g) chicken gizzards, very finely minced, optional
07 - 1/2 cup (75 g) finely diced green bell pepper
08 - 1/3 cup (35 g) sliced green onions, plus more for serving
09 - 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
12 - 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium beef broth
16 - 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Combine the rinsed rice, water or broth, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until tender. Fluff and set aside uncovered.
02 - If using chicken gizzards, pulse them in a food processor or mince very finely with a knife. The pieces should be small enough to blend into the ground beef.
03 - Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, minced gizzards, and bell pepper. Cook for 7-9 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef is cooked through and the pepper has softened.
04 - Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the green onions, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and beef broth. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5-7 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
05 - Add the cooked rice to the skillet and fold gently until the grains are evenly coated with the seasoned beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning only if needed. Sprinkle with parsley and extra green onions, then serve hot.

# Good to know:

01 - Use a mild Cajun seasoning if cooking for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.
02 - Cook the beef mixture until the broth reduces before adding rice.
03 - Best served hot, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

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