This Cajun Kielbasa Dirty Rice is smoky, bold, and the kind of one-pan meal that hits every craving. It’s spicy from the Cajun seasoning, hearty with rice and veggies, and super satisfying thanks to crispy browned kielbasa. One skillet. Big flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love meals that don’t make me choose between flavor and ease—and this one brings both. It’s my go-to when I want something fast but full of that Louisiana-inspired depth. A little heat, a little garlic, lots of smoky goodness.
What makes this a repeat recipe:
- 🔥 Cajun spices make it bold and flavorful
- 🍚 One skillet = easy clean-up
- 🧄 Smoked kielbasa adds instant depth
- 🥬 You can sneak in extra veggies if you want
- 🍽️ Feels like comfort food but still high-protein
⏱️ Time & Servings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
📊 Exact Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Browning kielbasa first gives you tons of flavor fast—those caramelized edges help season the whole dish.
- Cajun seasoning + onion + garlic = the base of dirty rice flavor.
- Cooking the rice in broth soaks up every bit of spice and smoky sausage juice.
🛒 Ingredients
- 12 oz kielbasa, sliced into half moons
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green onions for topping
👩🍳 How to Make Cajun Kielbasa Dirty Rice
1. Brown the Kielbasa
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook over medium-high heat until browned on both sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion, Bell Pepper, and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Stir in Spices and Rice
Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and the uncooked rice. Stir well to coat the rice in all the flavors.
4. Add Broth and Worcestershire
Pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Simmer Until Rice is Cooked
Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in Kielbasa and Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the cooked kielbasa. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with chopped green onion if you like!
🍽️ What to Serve With
- 🥗 A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- 🥖 Toasted garlic bread or cornbread
- 🥒 Pickles or vinegar slaw to balance the heat
- 🍺 A cold beer or sparkling water with lime
🧠 Meal Plan Ideas
- Monday: Make a double batch—leftovers are better the next day.
- Tuesday: Wrap leftovers in a tortilla for a spicy rice burrito.
- Wednesday: Top with a fried egg for breakfast-for-dinner.
- Thursday: Add chopped kale or spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Friday: Serve with grilled shrimp for surf-and-turf style.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rice not cooking through? Make sure it simmers gently with the lid on the whole time.
- Too salty? Be careful if your Cajun seasoning already has salt—taste before adding more.
- Dry rice? Check halfway through and add a splash more broth if needed.
❓ FAQ
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, just add 10–15 more minutes of cooking time and a bit more broth.
Is this dish spicy?
Depends on your Cajun seasoning! You can tone it down or add hot sauce if you like more heat.
Can I freeze this?
Totally. Let it cool, portion it into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
What protein can I sub for kielbasa?
Try chicken sausage, andouille, or even tofu if you’re going meatless.
Can I add beans?
Yep! Black beans or kidney beans work great here for extra protein and texture.
✨ Enjoy
This Cajun Kielbasa Dirty Rice is smoky, spicy, and comforting all in one bite. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or sharing with friends who love bold flavors. One skillet. Full-on flavor. 🔥🍚
Let me know if you want the printable version or want it turned into a meal prep plan next!