One Pot Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice

Savour the bold flavours of this One Pot Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice—where tender beef, fragrant Cajun seasoning, and sweet peppers come together in a rich, flavour-packed dish. Simmered with rice until perfectly cooked, then finished with a golden, bubbling layer of cheese, this easy one-pan meal is both hearty and satisfying.

Served with a homemade spicy Cajun mayo, this dish gets a creamy, fiery drizzle that takes it to the next level. With minimal prep and just one pan to wash, it’s the perfect fuss-free dinner when you want big flavour without the effort.

Calories in One Pot Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice

This recipe serves 4 and is 516 calories per serving

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 500+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.

Variations and Substitutes

Feel free to get creative with swaps and additions based on what you have available or your flavour preferences. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility—each change adds something new while still maintaining the essence of the recipe.

• Cajun seasoning substitute – If you’re out of store-bought Cajun seasoning, you can easily make your own blend using:
  • 15 tablespoons of paprika
  • 10 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 10 teaspoons of onion powder
  • 5 teaspoons of oregano
  • 5 teaspoons of thyme
  • 5 teaspoons of cayenne pepper
  • 1 pinch of salt and black pepper
  Store this homemade seasoning in a jar for future use. For the recipe, use the specified amount, but keep in mind it’s a no-salt blend, so don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Ground meats – Swap the extra lean beef mince for turkey, chicken, or pork, depending on what you have or your preference. Each option brings its own unique flavour and texture to the dish.
• Make it vegetarian! - Simply swap the beef for a meat-free alternative like Quorn and use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock.
• Cheese – Don’t have Colby cheese? A mix of red Leicester, cheddar, or mozzarella works perfectly as a substitute. These cheeses melt beautifully and still provide that rich, cheesy topping.
• Vegetables – Experiment with different vegetables to change things up. Try green peppers for extra crunch, celery for a fresh bite, or corn for a sweet contrast. You can really tailor it to your taste with what’s available.

Tips for Perfect One Pot Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice

One-pot meals are a fantastic way to save time and effort without sacrificing flavour. For this dish, follow these tips to ensure a delicious result:

1. Use the Right Pan: A large, flat-bottomed pan with a lid is key to ensuring even heat distribution and providing enough space for all the ingredients to cook properly without overcrowding.
2. Prep Ingredients Ahead: To keep the cooking process smooth and efficient, chop and measure all your ingredients before you start. This makes it easier to add everything at the right time.
3. Layer Flavours: Start by sautéing the onion, garlic, and carrot to build a rich base of flavours before adding the beef and other ingredients.
4. Don’t Rush: Take your time allowing each ingredient to cook thoroughly. This ensures an even texture and deep flavour throughout the dish.
5. Adjust Liquid Levels: If you notice the liquid absorbs too quickly, feel free to add a little more stock as needed. This will ensure the rice cooks perfectly and the dish remains moist.
6. Steaming with Residual Heat: Once cooking is finished, keep the lid on and turn off the heat. Let the rice steam in the residual heat without stirring. This crucial step ensures the rice is perfectly cooked, and the flavours have time to meld together.

With these tips, you’ll create a flavour-packed, fuss-free one-pot meal that’s sure to impress!

Sides for Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice

This One Pot Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can balance the meal beautifully. Here are a few great options:

• Side Salad – A crisp, fresh salad is the perfect complement. Try a mix of romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion—or use your favourite salad ingredients. If you prefer, you can add a low-calorie dressing of your choice, but personally, I find the Cajun mayo served with the rice provides plenty of flavour, making additional dressing unnecessary.
• Roasted Vegetables – A side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes, adds a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients to round off the meal.
• Steamed Greens – Lightly steamed greens like broccoli, spinach, or green beans offer a simple, nutritious side to balance the richness of the main dish.

These sides add freshness, colour, and nutrition, making your meal feel even more complete without overwhelming the flavours of the Cajun Beef Rice.

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