Have you ever fallen in love with a dish from a restaurant and wished you could make it in your own kitchen? Well, if you’ve had Popeye’s Cajun Rice, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. This dish is so well-spiced and hearty that it’s not just a side dish, it can be a whole meal on its own. And the best part is, you can easily make it at home and have it whenever you want.

When you make this Cajun Rice yourself, you have control over all the ingredients. And let me tell you, there’s a lot that goes into making it so delicious. It’s not just rice; it also includes ground beef and chicken gizzards that are browned up with bell pepper and onion. Don’t worry if chicken gizzards are not something you’re used to. They add a rich flavor similar to dark meat, and when minced up small, they add a great texture to the dish.

And let’s talk about the seasoning. The meat and veggie mixture is seasoned with garlic powder, celery seed, creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This combination creates layers of flavor without being overly spicy. Of course, if you like it spicier, you can always add more cayenne pepper.

To bring it all together, add a half cup of water and stir the rice and meat mixture. The extra liquid helps to bind everything together and keep it moist. The result is a dish that stretches humble ingredients into a filling and comforting meal. Popeye’s version has bold flavor that will have you craving for more even after you finish your first serving.

And the good news is, you can easily replicate this dish right in your own kitchen. It’s economical, hearty, and as tasty as it gets. So why wait? Try making this Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice and enjoy the flavors of this beloved restaurant dish whenever you want!

Recipe

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain rice
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup chicken gizzards, minced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, minced
• 1/2 yellow onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt, to taste

Preparation

1. Rinse the rice well and transfer it to a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid.
2. Add beef broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for 20 minutes.
3. While the rice is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add ground beef, chicken gizzards, bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
5. Stir in garlic powder, celery seed, creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
6. Add 1/2 cup water and stir to combine.
7. Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the meat mixture and stir to combine everything.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice!