Description
A soul-satisfying fusion of fluffy long-grain rice, zesty beef sausage, crispy turkey bacon, tender shrimp and the iconic Cajun “Holy Trinity,” all enveloped in a bold blend of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika and thyme. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings or meal prep, this one-pot wonder delivers deep, smoky flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
For the rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the protein:
- 8 oz (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 links beef sausage, sliced
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- ½ cup chicken ham, diced
For the “Holy Trinity” and aromatics:
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices:
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the edges begin to turn golden. Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add the sliced beef sausage to the same skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.
4. Add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
6. Return the turkey bacon and sausage to the pan. Add the cooked rice and toss to coat everything evenly.
7. Push the rice to the sides of the skillet, creating a well in the center. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season lightly, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque.
8. Gently fold the shrimp into the rice mixture. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For best results, rinse rice until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Adjust cayenne gently—heat builds quickly.
Reserve pan drippings for deglazing to intensify flavor layers.
Leftovers keep well: simply reheat with broth to restore moisture.
Garnish right before serving to preserve freshness of herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving