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This spicy, one-pan Cajun Rice – aka Dirty Rice – is my current meal prep obsession! High protein, simple to make and packed with both veggies and flavour. It’s naturally gluten free and dairy free, and freezer-friendly too.

Close up of a pan of cajun rice topped with avocado and tortilla chips.

Notes On This Cajun Rice Recipe

🌶️ If you want an easy, One Pan Meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes this spicy Cajun rice is for you! So simple to make with minimal, storecupboard ingredients.

🌶️ I use a homemade Cajun spice blend but you could make life even easier by using a pre-mixed blend. Just ensure it’s gluten free first!

🌶️ This is great for batch cooking and meal prep – I tend to make enough for 4-8 portions at-a-time and then freeze it so I have an easy, microwave meal.

🌶️ It’s super adaptable too. I use chicken mince but you could swap this for beef mince or turkey mince, or even use prawns, tofu or extra veggies.

Table of Contents

Ingredients and Substitutions

There’s a printable recipe card below for this easy Dirty Rice recipe with the full quantities. But here are the main ingredients and ideas for any swaps.

  • Celery: If you think you don’t like celery, trust me, you need to try it cooked! It adds so much flavour so I really recommend chopping it up super small and trying it.
  • Onion
  • Peppers: A green pepper is essential for the base, but you can add any colour pepper you like into the dish as additional veggies – I used a red and yellow one.
  • Chicken Mince: Swap this for beef or turkey mince, or even diced chicken, prawns or tofu. I think chickpeas would also work well for a veggie version.
  • Rice: I use basmati rice but long grain rice would work too.
  • Black Beans: I use the tinned or jarred black beans, but whatever you use, ensure it’s precooked and not dry.
  • Stock: You can use chicken or vegetable stock, as long as it’s gluten free. I tend to use the Knorr stock pots to make mine.
Ingredients for Cajun Rice laid out with text labels.

To Make Your Cajun Spice Mix

I always make my own Cajun Spice Mix as I have all the spices to hand, but if you don’t have a big collection you can buy a pre-made mix instead. Always make sure it’s gluten free as some spice mixes contain wheat as a filler, or have ‘may contain’ warnings. I like this one.

If you do want to make your own Cajun spice, you’ll need the following herbs and spices:

  • Paprika
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Cayenne
  • Cumin
  • Garlic granules
  • Oregano
  • Salt and Pepper

How to Make My One-Pan Cajun Rice

There’s a printable recipe card below with the method. But here are some step-by-step photos to show you how easy this gluten free Cajun Rice recipe is to make.

Process shot of cajun rice recipe showing the green peppers, celery and onion frying in a large pan.
Step 1: Fry the base of onions, green pepper and celery.
Process shot of cajun rice recipe showing onions, green pepper, celery and chicken mince in a frying pan.
Step 2: Add the chicken mince and fry until browned.
Process shot of cajun rice recipe showing the pan full of peppers, spices, chicken mince, onions and celery.
Step 3: Add the extra peppers and spices.
Process shot of cajun rice recipe showing the beans and rice added to a pan of peppers and chicken mince.
Step 4: Stir in the rice and black beans.
Process shot of cajun rice recipe showing the beans and rice added to a pan of peppers and chicken mince with chicken stock.
Step 5: Pour in the stock and bring to the boil.
Process shot of cajun rice recipe in a pan covered with a lid.
Step 6: Cover the pan and simmer until cooked.
A pan of Cajun rice with avocado and tortilla chips.
Step 7: Serve the rice with avocado, sourced cream and tortilla chips, or store as below.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

TO STORE: This will usually keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Either eat it cold or reheat thoroughly in the microwave or in a pan.

TO FREEZE: I always portion mine into individual servings before freezing so I can just defrost what I need. Reheat from frozen for an easy ready meal.

Close up of a pan of cajun rice topped with avocado and tortilla chips.
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Cajun Rice Recipe

By: Sarah Howells
This one-pan, gluten free Dirty Rice is packed with Cajun flavours, with chicken mince, peppers and black beans. Perfect for meal prep and ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 celery sticks
  • 1 onion
  • 1 green pepper
  • 500 g chicken mince
  • 1 red pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow pepper, cut into chunks
  • 200 g basmati rice
  • 2 tsp chopped garlic, or garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 400 g tinned black beans, drained
  • 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock

For The Cajun Spice Mix (see notes for alternative)

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 0.5 tsp each salt and pepper

Instructions 

  • Finely chop the onion, celery and green pepper.
  • Add the olive oil to a large, lidded pan and place on a medium heat. Add the celery, onion and green pepper and fry, stirring regularly, for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Add the chicken mince and fry, breaking it up with a spatula, for around 5 minutes until it has started to brown.
  • Add the garlic, chopped red and yellow pepper, tomato puree and spices.Mix well and cook for a further minute.
  • Add the basmati rice and black beans. Mix well to combine.
  • Pour in the (hot) stock. Mix well. Bring to the boil, then turn the heat right down to a very low simmer and place the lid on. Cook for 15 minutes (do not take the lid off!)
  • After 15 mins, remove the lid and stir well. If there is still some liquid remaining, cook for a further 5 mins with the lid off.
  • Serve straight away or portion up and refrigerate for 2-3 days or freeze.

Notes

Quick Spice Mix Hack: If you don’t have all the spices and don’t want to buy them all, you can simply use 2-3 tbsp cajun spice mix (ensure it’s gluten free) plus the listed salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestions: Top with some chopped coriander, sides like avocado or soured cream, or maybe some crushed tortillas on top or a bowl of tortillas on the side. You can also sprinkle grated cheese over and replace the lid for 1-2 minutes until melted.
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More One Pan Dinner Recipes

If you like this easy Gluten Free Cajun Rice recipe, then make sure you check out these other one pan dinner recipes too…

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About Sarah Howells

Hi, I'm Sarah! Diagnosed with coeliac disease 20 years ago, I'm on a mission to create the best gluten free recipes since sliced bread. No fruit salads or dry brownies here.

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