Shrimp & Rice is the kind of meal that steals the show at any gathering and then disappears in a flash—always to requests for seconds. This delectable dish combines plump, savory shrimp, smoky sausage, and juicy hamburger all tossed together with tender rice and a tapestry of spices. Every bite is a comforting journey, filled with robust flavor and inviting aroma. Whether you’re craving Southern comfort or need a crowd-pleaser for the weeknight table, this Shrimp & Rice delivers excitement and satisfaction in every steaming spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making Shrimp & Rice is that the ingredient list is straightforward, yet every single item brings something wonderful to the table. Rely on each component for its own unique magic: the meats add richness, the veggies give vibrant color, and the herbs and spices build irresistible depth.

Hamburger meat (1 lb): Brings a hearty, robust flavor and satisfying texture to the base of the dish.
Ground pork sausage (1 lb): Adds an irresistible smoky, spiced punch that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Shrimp, tail off and deveined (10–12 pieces): The star protein, tender and sweet, soaking up all the savory flavors.
Cooked rice (4 cups): Acts as the perfect canvas, absorbing juices and tying every bite together.
Chicken broth (2 cups; Better Than Bouillon preferred): Infuses the rice with rich, savory depth and keeps everything moist and fluffy.
Mixed onions and bell peppers, chopped (1.5 cups): Lend sweetness, crunch, and a burst of color to every spoonful.
Vegetable oil (3 tbsp, divided): For sautéing and developing all those lovely browned bits.
Seafood seasoning (1 tsp): Brings out the best in the shrimp with a punchy, zesty flavor.
Flour (1/4 cup): Helps thicken the final mixture for a luscious, slightly creamy texture.
Oregano (1 tbsp): Adds a woodsy, herbal note that makes the whole dish sing.
Minced garlic (3 tsp): Perfumes the kitchen and infuses every bite with irresistible savoriness.
Thyme (1 tsp): Pairs perfectly with the meats and peppers for classic Southern flair.
Garlic powder (1 tbsp): Doubles up on the garlicky goodness for real flavor impact.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Layers in extra depth and a mellow sharpness.
Chili powder (1 tsp): Gives the dish a subtle smoky heat that keeps you coming back for more.
Pepper (1/2 tsp, more to taste): A little bite to balance the richness of the meat.
Salt (1/2 tsp, more to taste): Elevates all the other flavors—don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.
Cayenne pepper (pinch): That final nudge of heat for those who like a gentle kick.

How to Make Shrimp & Rice

Step 1: Season and Prep the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry and then sprinkling them liberally with seafood seasoning. This quick step gives the shrimp a flavor base, letting them soak up the zesty blend that will shine through every bite of your Shrimp & Rice.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the seasoned shrimp into the pan, letting them sizzle for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re looking for that signature pink curl, a sure sign they’re juicy and perfectly cooked. Once they’re done, place them on a plate and set them aside while you build the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Brown the Meats

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your skillet and brown the hamburger meat and ground pork sausage. Let them get a little crispy around the edges for maximized flavor and texture—this is the foundation of a truly craveable Shrimp & Rice.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

To the pan with your browned meat, stir in the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the veggies are softened and fragrant. They’ll absorb the juices from the meat, creating an irresistible flavor base that sets this dish apart.

Step 5: Season Everything

Sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Toss everything together so the meats and veggies are evenly coated in that fragrant medley. This is where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

Dust the mixture evenly with flour and stir to coat. Begin pouring in the chicken broth, a little at a time, stirring well after each addition. Let it all simmer together for 5–7 minutes; you want just enough thickness so the sauce hugs every grain of rice.

Step 7: Add Rice and Simmer

Fold the cooked rice into the skillet and gently combine everything. Let it all simmer for about five minutes, giving the rice time to soak up every last bit of those meaty, herby juices.

Step 8: Bring It All Together

Return your gorgeous, seared shrimp to the pan and toss gently. The heat will finish cooking them and mingle all the flavors, making this Shrimp & Rice utterly irresistible.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Spoon generous portions onto plates or shallow bowls while everything is piping hot—and truly, don’t be shy with the serving sizes. This is comfort food at its best, so enjoy every last bite!

How to Serve Shrimp & Rice

Garnishes

Dress up your Shrimp & Rice with a scattering of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for color and a fresh bite. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a citrusy pop—squeeze it over the top right before serving to brighten up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This hearty main pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a slice of warm, crusty bread to help scoop up those rich juices. Creamy coleslaw or sautéed greens (like collards) make for traditional accompaniments alongside your Shrimp & Rice, or consider roasted okra for a fun Southern touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, ladle Shrimp & Rice into small bowls or ramekins for crowd-friendly serving. Try stuffing it into roasted bell peppers or even using it as a filling for big lettuce wraps. For family weeknights, serve it family-style straight from the skillet so everyone can help themselves and savor the rustic experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Shrimp & Rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let it cool a bit before lid goes on to avoid steam-building, and be sure to refrigerate promptly to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Shrimp & Rice! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a quick reheat. Just note that the texture of shrimp may change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Shrimp & Rice gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring often, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use only one type of meat or make it pescatarian?

Absolutely! If you’d prefer to skip the hamburger or sausage, just increase the amount of shrimp or add in another seafood like crawfish or crab meat. To make it pescatarian, simply omit the pork and beef entirely and double up on the shrimp. The dish remains comforting and satisfying.

What type of rice works best for Shrimp & Rice?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for Shrimp & Rice because it stays fluffy and absorbs the flavors of the broth beautifully. If you have leftover cooked rice, even better—day-old rice tends to hold its shape nicely.

How spicy is this recipe?

With just a pinch of cayenne and some chili powder, the spice level is mild to moderate. If you love heat, feel free to add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce at the table. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili powder to suit your taste.

Can I make Shrimp & Rice ahead of time?

You can prepare most of the Shrimp & Rice ahead and gently reheat before serving. For best flavor and texture, consider cooking the shrimp fresh right before serving and stirring them into the reheated rice mixture at the end.

What’s the best way to keep the shrimp tender?

Be sure not to overcook the shrimp! Searing them just until they curl into a “C” shape and turning them only once is the key. Add them back to the hot rice mixture only at the very end to keep them plump and juicy.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in sharing a big, bubbling skillet of Shrimp & Rice with those you love. The combination of flavors is downright magical, providing comfort and excitement in every bite. Give this recipe a try—with its swoon-worthy aromas and irresistible taste, it just might become a new family favorite in your home too!