"You're Puttin A Rush On Me" Cajun Rice and Gravy

Cajun rice and gravy is a hearty and flavorful dish that incorporates big Cajun flavors into a savory gravy served over plain white rice. In my house growing up it was a dark gravy made with beef whether it was chuck roast or round steak.

That beef was braised to tenderness perfection, shredded and served on top of the rice for a full more satisfying meal.

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If you're looking to spice up your mealtime with a super versatile recipe, look no further than this cajun seasoned shredded beef. This mouth-watering dish packs a punch of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of herbs and spices, the beef is shredded to create a tender, juicy texture that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides.

Whether you're serving it up for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this cajun seasoned shredded beef recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Here is a traditional cajun rice and gravy dish with shredded beef that you will look for excuses to make any chance you get. Though the recipe is for rice and gravy, it’s the shredded beef and gravy combo that is the star and so good it can be served on top of anything let alone rice.

Cajun Rice and Gravy with Shredded Beef Inspiration

The first time I had the beef version of was at my favorite local Austin food truck LA1 Cajun Po Boys. They serve a mean Roast Beef Po Boy with debris as well as roast beef fries which are traditional French fries topped with slow-cooked beef and gravy. Afterward, I started playing with my own recipes for the beef and gravy. In my research, I learned that ‘rice and gravy’ was a thing.

What is Cajun Rice and Gravy

Rice and gravy is a popular cajun dish. The name ‘rice and gravy’ doesn’t really tell the whole story of the recipe. Meat is ‘silent’, omitted or assumed as the main ingredient. Big pieces of pork or beef or even sausage or chicken are commonly slow-cooked with a few other simple ingredients to render a flavorful gravy that is then used to top a bowl/plate of white rice for a hearty and comforting main dish.

Shredded Beef Ingredients Needed

The beauty of cajun gravy and rice is that you get to greatness with some really humble ingredients. The key is not spending serious loot on ingredients, but it’s all about time, patience, and nurturing what you have. No different than parenting.

For the Beef

• Chuck Roast - boneless beef chuck roast breaks down easily into tender shreds when slow cooked. Note chuck roast is sometimes also called shoulder roast, pot roast, arm chuck roast, chuck pot roast, or blade roast.
• Beef Broth or Beef Stock
• Holy Trinity - Onion, Bell Peppers, Celery
• Cajun Spice Mix

For The Spice Mix

• Smoked Paprika
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried Oregano
• Dried Thyme

For The Roux

• Flour
• Unsalted Butter or Olive oil

How To Make Shredded Beef Cajun Style

I pretty much take a pot roast approach to this recipe. For me, this means cooking the beef at a low temperature for a long time until the meat gets really tender and easily breaks down into shreds. What makes this dish cajun is the roux, the holy trinity, and the cajun spice seasonings.

Don’t bother looking around for quick ways to make this shredded beef dish. This ain’t that type of recipe. If you want it on a busy weeknight then make it on a Sunday and let it sit a few days in the fridge until you’re ready to indulge. The extra wait time actually makes the rice and gravy mo better.

No need to complicate things, just:

1. Season and brown the meat
2. Saute your vegetables
3. Simmer the meat until super tender
4. Make and add your roux

But here are the details:

Step 1

Cut the beef into large chunks then season generously with the cajun spices.

Step 2 (Make a roux) Quick Way

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine 1 cup of fat and 2 cups of flour in a cast iron dutch oven and mix well. Add roux to the oven and bake until you achieve the desired color. You may need to check and stir every 15-20 minutes until browned.

Step 3

To start heat oil on medium heat in a dutch oven pot and brown the meat. Make sure to brown long enough to develop a nice crust on each side of the beef. The crusty bits will stay behind in the pot and add flavor, character and that dark color to the gravy. Transfer beef to a large platter.

Step 4

Add the holy trinity of vegetables plus minced garlic. Don’t mind the crusty bits much, as you’ll deglaze the pan in the next step.

Step 5

Add beef broth, paste, and Worcestershire sauce scraping the bits up and stirring as necessary.

Step 6

Return the meat to the pot and slow cook either in the oven or on the stovetop for a few hours. Be patient it will take time. Just be cool, believe in the process, and let it cook until the breakdown occurs and you get that fall apart tender meat.

If using on stovetop make sure you cook at a low simmer covered with a heavy lid. For the oven version cook at no higher than 325 degrees. The tender beef will be easy to pull apart with two forks.

Step 7

Add your roux to the flavorful beef with cooking liquid and mix in well. The longer you cook the thicker the dish will be, so don’t fret if initially, you don’t see the preferred consistency. Just keep cooking to reduce the liquid. Serve over rice with some onion slices.  

What To Serve With Cajun Rice and Gravy

Cajun rice and gravy is a delicious and hearty dish that can stand on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides all washed down with an ice cold glass of sweet tea. Here are a few ideas for how to pair the juicy shredded beef:

1. Greens: Serve a side of collard greens, mustard greens, or turnip greens to add some bitterness to balance out the richness of the rice and gravy.
2. Cornbread: A classic Southern side, cornbread is a perfect accompaniment to Cajun rice and gravy.
3. Fried okra: Fried okra is a staple of Southern cuisine and adds a crispy texture to the dish.
4. Roasted vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or squash complement the flavors of the Cajun seasoning.
5. Coleslaw: A cool and refreshing coleslaw is a great way to balance out the spiciness of the dish.
6. Red beans: Red beans and rice is a classic Cajun dish that pairs perfectly with Cajun rice and gravy.
7. Mashed potatoes: Some creamy mashed potatoes would be a solid add, especially with that rich gravy!

Mexican Shredded Beef as An Alternative Recipe

You can easily change up this recipe for a whole nutha flavor vibe by simply changing a few spices and throwing in some different toppings. Changing up the spices to include chili powder, cumin, and coriander can make this a shredded Mexican beef dish very easily.

Throw on some sour cream, cheese, diced tomatoes, fresh lime juice and salsa along with some warm tortillas. Boom! now you have a Mexican beef recipe or barbacoa like tacos.

Cajun Rice and Gravy Recipe Cooking Tips

• The more you brown the meat, the darker the gravy.
• This is not a recipe for non-stick pans. You’ll actually want that good browning including the crusty bits left behind in the pan.
• More onions equal stickier gravy
• To save your forearms, bake your roux in the oven
• Season every step of the way with the homemade cajun spice mix
  • Season the beef ahead of time
  • Season the holy trinity during sautéing
  • Season the stock right before adding the beef back to the pot
  • Note if you’re using store-bought, be mindful of the salt content and don’t use too much as this dish will be overly salty
• Serve with hot water cornbread which is great for sopping up the delicious gravy.
• I go heavy with the beef so my version is more of a beef rice and gravy dish lol!
• For thicker gravy you can you can cook a little longer until the liquid has reduced to desired consistency

Other Considerations When Making This Pulled Beef Recipe

Cooking shredded meat requires some careful considerations and attention to detail to ensure the best results. Here are some tips to keep in mind when making shredded beef:

1. Choose the right cut of beef: For shredded beef, it's best to choose a tougher cut of meat that will become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Boneless chuck roast, brisket, and round roast are all great options.
2. Use a slow cooker or pressure cooker: Shredded beef is best made in a slow cooker or pressure cooker, as these methods allow the meat to cook low and slow until it is tender and falls apart easily. If making slow cooker shredded beef you'll still want to sear the meat before cooking. You'll want to do the same for instant pot shredded beef which is easy to do using the saute setting to brown the meat first.
3. Season well: Don't be afraid to use plenty of seasoning to give your shredded beef plenty of flavor. Cajun seasoning is a great choice for a spicy kick, but you can also use a blend of herbs and spices to suit your tastes.
4. Let the meat rest: Once the beef is fully cooked, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before shredding it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the meat stays moist and tender.
5. Shred with care: Use two forks to gently shred the beef, pulling it apart in small pieces. Avoid over-shredding, as this can make the meat dry and tough.

By following these tips, you can make a delicious and tender shredded beef that is perfect for a variety of dishes, from tacos and sandwiches to salads and more.

Leftover Shredded Beef Ideas

Leftover shredded beef can be used in a variety of ways to create delicious meals. One option is to make shredded beef tacos or burritos by adding the beef to a tortilla along with some beans, cheese, and salsa. You can also use leftover shredded beef to make a hearty beef stew or chili. Another option is to add it to a salad or wrap for a protein-packed lunch. You can even use leftover shredded beef as a topping for baked potatoes or in a breakfast hash.

Be sure to watch the video that is included in the recipe card at the end of this post. It includes a few other leftover ideas such as fries smothered with shredded beef and a New Orleans style pulled beef po' boy sandwich. You can do some amazing things with a simple cut of cooked beef roast!

So after you've cooked this delicious recipe and enjoyed a few healthy servings, don't forget to store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate then heat up to enjoy throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Cajun Style Shredded Beef

What cut of beef is best for shredding?

Chuck roast is the most commonly used cut of beef for shredding. It has the right amount of fat and marbling to create a tender and flavorful shredded beef.

Should I sear the beef before cooking?

Yes, searing the beef before slow cooking can add flavor and texture to the final dish. It creates a crust on the outside of the meat and helps to lock in the juices.

Can I make shredded beef in a slow cooker/crock pot or Instant Pot?

Yes, both a slow cooker and Instant Pot can be used to make shredded beef. In fact, slow cooking is one of the best methods for making tender, flavorful shredded beef.

How long does it take to cook shredded beef?

Cooking time can vary depending on the cut of beef, cooking method, and recipe. Generally, shredded beef takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to cook in a slow cooker or oven.

Can I freeze shredded beef?

Yes, shredded beef can be frozen and stored for later use. Allow the beef to cool completely before portioning it into freezer bags or containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

MORE CAJUN BASED RECIPES

New Orleans Style Red Beans and Rice 

Easy Blackened Chicken

Gumbo Z'herbes

Duck and Sausage Gumbo

Cajun Cabbage and Andouille

Making Cajun Rice and Gravy with Shredded Beef

Cajun Rice and Gravy is a soul-satisfying dish that will transport you to the heart of Louisiana with its rich flavors and hearty texture. With a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can create a masterpiece that will impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best shredded beef recipes you’ll ever have. The beef alone is ridiculous, but the gravy is over the top greatness. Make plenty tor leftovers. Make sliders, eat with more rice, or use it with pasta, fries or po’ boys. 

If you make this cajun rice and gravy version, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated monthly playlists.

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