Cajun Dirty Rice Ground Beef (Printable)

A flavorful Southern dish with ground beef, vegetables, and Cajun spices for a robust main or side.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 10 oz ground beef, lean or regular

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
04 - 1 small green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Rice & Broth

06 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
07 - 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred

→ Spices & Seasoning

08 - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Oils & Garnish

14 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 2 spring onions, sliced

# How to Make:

01 - In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
02 - Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon for about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
04 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the mixture evenly.
06 - Add the uncooked rice and stir for 2 minutes, toasting the rice slightly.
07 - Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.
08 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
09 - Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
10 - Garnish with chopped parsley and sliced spring onions before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This recipe turns everyday ingredients into something that tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • The house fills with such incredible aromas that family members wander in asking what smells so good
02 -
  • Lifting the lid too early lets steam escape and your rice will never finish properly
  • Letting the rice toast in the spices before adding liquid transforms the entire dish
03 -
  • For authentic flavor add diced chicken livers with the ground beef, they cook down and practically disappear
  • Taste your Cajun seasoning first, some brands are much saltier or spicier than others

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