Cajun Casserole, Texas Style
A hearty Cajun casserole packed with spicy sausage, shrimp, colorful peppers, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting gatherings and flavor enthusiasts seeking a bold, one-pot meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. andouille sausage or kielbasi
- 1 large Spanish onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. garlic minced ⓘ
- 2 c. uncooked rice ⓘ
- 4 green onions ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium red pepper ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 hot jalapeno pepper chopped and seeded ⓘ
- 1 lb. raw shrimp peeled and deveined ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the sausage, then drain on paper towels, cool, and cut into 1/2-inch diagonal slices.
- Spray a large Dutch oven with Pam or coat with olive oil, then add chopped Spanish onion, minced garlic, uncooked rice, chopped green onions, chopped celery, and chopped green and red peppers.
- Cook, stirring, until the onion and celery are limp.
- Add the rest of the ingredients except seafood, including beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, cayenne pepper, and chopped jalapeno.
- Raise heat to high; bring to a boil and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Cover the pot, lower heat to low, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cooked sausage, then simmer until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapeno or cayenne pepper to suit your taste. If you don't have andouille sausage, kielbasa or any smoked sausage can be a great substitute. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. For added flavor, try incorporating some smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cajun Casserole hot, garnished with extra chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Dill Pickles With Pot Roast for a unique flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cajun Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Casserole, Texas Style contains roughly 376 calories, with 17g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (240% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (180% of the Daily Value), and iron (118% of the Daily Value). At about 376 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before adding the shrimp and sausage. Store it in the refrigerator and add the seafood just before you are ready to cook it to ensure they remain tender and juicy.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this Cajun Casserole as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. If using brown rice, remember it will require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is properly cooked.
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the casserole. This will help maintain the dish's flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).