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Popeyes Cajun Rice Copycat

A quick and flavorful copycat recipe of Popeyes Cajun Rice, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice Rinse until water runs mostly clear.
  • 1 pound ground beef Use 85 to 90 percent lean.
  • 2-3 ounces chicken livers Optional but recommended, finely minced.
  • 1 cup diced onion Diced small for even cooking.
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves minced garlic For bite and aroma.
  • 1.5-2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning Adjust salt to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • pinch white pepper For layered heat.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds savory-sweet tang.
  • 1.75 cups low-sodium beef broth Control the seasoning.
  • 1 tablespoon oil For browning the meat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the long-grain white rice under cool water until it runs mostly clear. Set aside to drain.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the ground beef with a pinch of salt and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  3. If using, stir in the finely minced chicken livers and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through.
Cooking
  1. Add the diced onion, diced celery, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until softened.
  2. Add the minced garlic for the last minute of cooking.
  3. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and white pepper, and stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  4. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and low-sodium beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 16 to 18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finishing Touches
  1. Turn off heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
  2. Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness or add a teaspoon of butter for richness. Garnish with thin-sliced green onions.

Notes

Rinse the rice to prevent it from being gummy. Don't rush the browning of the meat for better flavor. Adjust seasoning to your taste.