Description
If you love bold flavors, minimal cleanup, and a hearty, satisfying meal, this One-Pan Spicy Cajun Ranch Steak & Rice is exactly what you need. This dish combines juicy, seasoned steak with fluffy, flavor-packed rice, all cooked in one pan for convenience. The Cajun spice blend brings a kick of heat, while ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herby contrast, making each bite incredibly delicious.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this meal delivers restaurant-quality taste without the hassle. Plus, using just one pan means less time spent on dishes and more time enjoying your food! Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step method.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ¼ cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnishes (Optional but Recommended):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
- Fresh lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Season the steak cubes with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Sear the steak pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
- Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and ranch seasoning mix. Toast the rice for about 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Combine & Finish
- After 15 minutes, check the rice. If it’s tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, return the steak (along with its juices) to the pan.
- Stir gently to mix the steak into the rice. Cover and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, spicy Cajun Ranch Steak & Rice!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Easy One-Pan Meals
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg