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A bowl of homemade Popeyes Copycat Cajun Rice with seasoned ground beef, rice, and Cajun spices, garnished with green onions.

Popeyes Copycat Cajun Rice


  • Author: iyma hernandes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A flavorful, spicy, and hearty Cajun Rice dish just like Popeyes’—perfect as a side or main dish!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • ½ pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • ¼ cup chicken gizzards, finely minced (optional)
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and stir in the rice. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Add ground beef and chicken gizzards, breaking them up as they cook.
  5. Stir in bell pepper, onion, and garlic powder. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are soft.
  6. Sprinkle in Creole seasoning, cayenne, black pepper, and celery seed.
  7. Pour in beef broth, stirring well. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
  8. Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir until fully coated with seasonings.
  9. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne or hot sauce. Try using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a variation!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cajun rice, Popeyes copycat, Louisiana cuisine, spicy rice