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Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice

Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice: A Comforting One-Pan Delight

Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice is a comforting, gluten-free dish that combines tender beef with vibrant spices, peppers, and creamy cheese, all in one pot.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Steaming Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1 spray Low Calorie Spray Substitute with olive oil if preferred.
  • 1 medium Onion (finely diced) Yellow onions work best for sweetness.
  • 1 small Carrot (finely chopped) Can be substituted with bell pepper for more color.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (crushed) Use 1 tsp of garlic powder as a quick substitute.
  • 455 g Extra Lean Beef Mince Ground turkey or plant-based mince can be used.
  • 1.5 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning Adjust based on spice tolerance.
  • 1 Tbsp Paprika Use smoked paprika for a different profile.
  • 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste Can replace with tomato sauce if unavailable.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (finely chopped) Any bell pepper color can be used.
  • 180 g Long Grain White Rice (dry) Substituting for brown rice will alter cooking time.
  • 480 ml Chicken Stock Vegetable stock can be used for a vegetarian version.
Topping Ingredients
  • 120 g Grated Colby Cheese Cheddar or mozzarella can be substituted.
  • 2 medium Spring Onions (chopped) Substitute with parsley for a milder flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper Season to taste.
Cajun Mayo Ingredients
  • 3 Tbsp Reduced Fat Mayo Can replace with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 3 Tbsp Fat-free Greek Yoghurt
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder Optional if garlic is already in the dish.
  • 0.5 tsp Onion Powder Optional substitution with fresh onion if desired.
  • Pinch of Salt and Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • large heavy-bottomed pan
  • Small bowl
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Instructions for Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice
  1. In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mayo, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until smooth and set aside.
  2. Spray a large, heavy-bottomed pan with low-calorie cooking spray and heat it over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and garlic, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the extra lean beef mince to the pan, breaking it apart, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned.
  4. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  5. Add the chopped red bell pepper, dry rice, and chicken stock. Stir to combine and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and keep covered for an additional 10 minutes to steam the rice.
  7. Fluff the rice with a fork after resting, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with chopped spring onions and drizzle with Cajun mayo before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftover Cheesy Cajun Beef Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

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