Easy Sausage Rice Recipe (Cajun Dirty Rice) – A Texas Twist

If you're looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal with a touch of Southern flair, then this Cajun Dirty Rice is just the ticket! Originating from Louisiana, this dish is typically made with rice, sausage, and the "holy trinity" of Cajun cuisine—onions, bell peppers, and celery—seasoned with bold Cajun spices. In Texas, we love to put our own spin on things, so this version incorporates smoky sausage and optional jalapeños for an added kick!

Photo byNick Davies

Why You'll Love This Dish:

Imagine the deep, savory flavors of smoky sausage blending with spicy Cajun seasonings, all enveloped in fluffy rice. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch from sautéed vegetables, while the rice soaks up every drop of rich broth. It's a simple, one-pot meal perfect for weeknights or casual get-togethers, and it comes together in just 30 minutes!

Fun Fact:

Dirty rice gets its name from the "dirty" appearance created by the spices and finely chopped liver traditionally used in the recipe. If you're not a fan of liver, no worries—this Texas-style version swaps that out for extra sausage, bringing even more savory goodness to your plate​(This Silly Girl's Kitchen)​(The Dinner-Mom).

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of pork sausage (Texas-style smoked or Andouille sausage works great)
• 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine for an extra fluffy texture)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Optional: 1 jalapeño, finely chopped for heat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, breaking up the sausage into crumbles as it browns. Once cooked through, set aside, leaving a bit of the fat in the pan.
2. Sauté the veggies: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the rice: Stir in the rice and Cajun seasoning, letting the rice toast slightly in the pan for about 2 minutes. This step adds extra flavor to the grains.
4. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and return the sausage to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth absorbed.
5. Fluff and serve: Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.

Pro Tips:

• Make it your own: You can substitute sausage with ground beef, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based option for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly meal​(Grits and Pinecones)​(The Yummy Bowl).
• Leftovers: Dirty rice reheats well! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out​(This Silly Girl's Kitchen)​(The Spruce Eats).

Pairings:

This dish is a standout on its own, but if you're serving it at a Texas barbecue, consider pairing it with cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad to balance the rich, spicy flavors​(The Yummy Bowl).

Give this Texas-style Cajun Dirty Rice a try, and let me know what you think! It's sure to become a family favorite. If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends or leave a comment below with your twist on the dish!