Cajun Dirty Rice Ground Beef (Print version)
Hearty Cajun dish with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and rich spices in a comforting rice blend.
# What you need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 3 green onions, sliced, plus extra for garnish
07 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
→ Grains
08 - 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Liquids
09 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
11 - 1 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional for extra heat
14 - 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
16 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
# Directions:
01 - Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in rice and cook 2 minutes, allowing grains to toast lightly.
04 - Add Cajun seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat rice and vegetables evenly.
05 - Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
06 - Uncover, fluff rice with a fork, and fold in green onions and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with additional green onions and parsley before serving.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- It demands only one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to lean against the counter with a cold drink.
- The rice soaks up every bit of spice and fat until each grain carries its own little story.
02 -
- The rice continues cooking in its own steam after you turn off the heat, so pull it early rather than late.
- Chicken livers transform this into something restaurant-worthy, but announce their presence first or someone will think you've made a terrible mistake.
03 -
- Let the beef sit undisturbed for ninety seconds before stirring, and you'll build a crust that liquid cannot wash away.
- Rest the finished dish five minutes off heat, covered, so the rice settles into itself rather than spreading across the plate.