Cajun Rice Casserole
Bold, flavorful, and irresistibly hearty, this Cajun Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a Southern twist. Combining tender long-grain white rice with smoky sausage, seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic Cajun spices, this casserole packs both a punch of bold flavors and incredible texture in every bite. A layer of gooey melted cheddar cheese crowns this dish, while a garnish of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness. Made with pantry staples like diced tomatoes and chicken broth, this one-pan wonder comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you're craving a taste of Louisiana or simply looking for a satisfying family meal, this easy, oven-baked recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the rice under cold water, then cook it according to the package instructions using the 3 cups of water. Once cooked, set it aside.
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly browned.
Stir in the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure even seasoning.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked rice and the skillet mixture, mixing well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2944 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 205.3 g | 263% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.5 g | 412% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 556 mg | 185% | |
| Sodium | 7406 mg | 322% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 132.9 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.2 g | ||
| Protein | 147.1 g | 294% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1146 mg | 88% | |
| Iron | 17.6 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 3181 mg | 68% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
