Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Cajun Dirty Rice with Ground Beef & Sausage (Bold, Hearty & Easy Skillet Meal)

Sarah Smith
Dec 27, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

A skillet with seasoned rice, beef, and peppers on a table. A spoon, green herbs on a yellow plate, and a checkered napkin are visible.

This Cajun Dirty Rice with Ground Beef & Sausage is a bold, hearty Southern classic packed with smoky sausage, savory beef, and Cajun spices. Everything cooks in one skillet for an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Serve it with Cajun Cornbread, Creamy Coleslaw, or a side of Cajun Roasted Potatoes for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This

Hearty, flavorful rice dish made with seasoned ground beef and sausage
Bold Cajun spices bring warmth and depth to every bite
Filling one-pan meal or satisfying side dish
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving alongside Cajun favorites

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4–6

Nutritional Information (per serving – approximate)

Calories: 420
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 820mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound ground beef
½ pound smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille preferred)
1 small onion, finely diced
½ cup green bell pepper, diced
½ cup celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 cups cooked white rice (long-grain recommended)
½ cup chicken broth
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add vegetables: Stir in onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Season: Add garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Stir and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine rice: Add cooked rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and slightly “dirty” in color.
Finish & serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Cajun Dirty Rice

Use day-old rice for the best texture.
Andouille sausage adds authentic Cajun flavor, but smoked kielbasa works too.
Want it spicier? Add extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
This dish reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep.

FAQ

Is dirty rice spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust by reducing cayenne or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Absolutely. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute?

Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Dirty Rice with Ground Beef & Sausage is bold, comforting, and packed with Southern flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels cozy and familiar while still delivering big, satisfying taste. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.