One sweltering July day, I was on the porch with my neighbor’s grandkids after they’d spent the morning picking peppers at the community garden. They were sticky, sun-kissed and curious. I invited them inside for a snack.
I had rice left over from Sunday’s dinner, sausage in the fridge and shrimp that needed cooking. I tossed everything into the skillet, seasoning with my grandmother’s herbal blend, and stirred as we all watched the dish come to life.
When I served it, the kids dove in with astonished eyes. My daughter, fresh from college, shouted that this was the perfect “campfire meets Cajun fest.” My husband leaned back in his chair and sighed—“This could be our new summer staple,” he said. Later that evening, as fireflies blinked outside, I realized this dish had become more than a quick fix—it carried a recipe rooted in family, heritage, and shared moments.
This Cajun Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice brings together bold spices, tender proteins and comforting rice in a warm, spicy hug that reminds me of home, hot days, and good company.
Short Description
Savory and spicy Cajun-style rice loaded with ground beef, sausage, shrimp, vibrant vegetables and bold seasonings—all simmered together for a flavorful one-pot meal.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 10–12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups chopped onions and bell peppers
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 tsp seafood seasoning
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional
Tools Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Rice cooker or pot for rice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Season shrimp with seafood seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tbsp oil. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the same skillet. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook 6–8 minutes until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Stir in onions, bell peppers and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until veggies soften and fragrance fills the kitchen.
Step 4: Add Spices and Flour
Sprinkle oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, salt and cayenne if desired. Stir in flour to coat mixture evenly.
Step 5: Add Broth
Pour in chicken broth. Stir to combine. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Add Rice
Stir in cooked rice. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so rice absorbs the rich flavors.
Step 7: Return Shrimp
Gently fold shrimp into the rice. Warm through for 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or spice level.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Scoop into bowls and serve immediately while hearty and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Bold Cajun spices with tender shrimp and sausage
One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet—easy clean-up
Hearty Comfort: Rice and proteins make it satisfying and filling
Flexible Heat: Skip cayenne for mild or add more for a kick
Family-Friendly: Great for busy nights, potlucks or casual dinners
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Shrimp overcooked can become rubbery
Tip: Remove shrimp early—they cook fast
Meat too greasy makes dish heavy
Tip: Drain excess fat after browning
Rice clumpy or dry
Tip: Use day-old rice or add ½ cup extra broth
Under-seasoned means bland dish
Tip: Taste after adding broth and adjust spices
Vegetables not softened leads to harsh bits
Tip: Sauté onions and peppers until tender
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Top with chopped green onions or fresh parsley
Serve with cornbread, salad or veggie slaw
Pair with crisp white wine, iced sweet tea or lemonade
Present buffet style with toppings like hot sauce and lime wedges
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate in sealed containers up to 3 days
Reheat in skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth
Microwave in short bursts to keep shrimp tender
Freeze in portions; thaw overnight and reheat gently with broth
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes. Add it in Step 7 to warm through without overcooking.
2. What rice works best?
Day-old rice is ideal. Fresh rice may be too soft; short-grain or long-grain both work.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Skip meats and use plant-based sausage. Boost flavor with smoked paprika.
4. How spicy is this?
Mild to moderate with cayenne. Omit it for heat-sensitive diners or add more for lovers of spice.
5. Can I use brown rice?
Yes. Use pre-cooked brown rice and adjust simmer time for soaking up liquid.
Tips & Tricks
Use leftover rice for better texture
Swap ground sausage for chorizo for smoky flavor
Stir in fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon for brightness
Toast spices in oil before adding broth for extra depth
Let the rice rest off heat for 5 minutes before serving
Recipe Variations
Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice. Cook until just tender in Step 6.
Seafood Mix: Add scallops or crab in addition to shrimp. Adjust seafood seasoning for balance.
Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese at end for a silky texture.
Spicy Kick: Double chili powder or add chopped jalapeños with vegetables in Step 3.
Final Thoughts
That summer porch moment with sticky little hands and smiling faces remains one of my favorites. This Cajun Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice carries warmth, spice and simplicity all in one skillet. It’s a dish rooted in tradition yet flexible enough for modern nights.
I keep coming back to its bold seasoning and hearty texture, knowing it’s more than food, it’s connection. Try it once and I bet it’ll become part of your family’s story too.
Cajun Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 10–12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups chopped onions and bell peppers
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 tsp seafood seasoning
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Season shrimp with seafood seasoning. Sauté in 2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Add 1 tbsp oil. Brown ground beef and sausage for 6–8 minutes, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Add Spices and Flour
Sprinkle in all seasonings and flour. Stir to coat the mixture evenly.
Step 5: Pour in Broth
Add chicken broth. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Stir in Rice
Add cooked rice. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring to absorb the flavors.
Step 7: Return Shrimp
Fold shrimp into the rice. Warm through for 1–2 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
Step 8: Serve
Spoon into bowls and enjoy hot.
