Cajun Dirty Rice Ground Beef (Printable version)

Hearty Southern dish featuring seasoned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and Cajun spices for robust flavor.

# 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 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/4 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1/4 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

→ Oils & Garnish

14 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
16 - 2 spring onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

# Directions:

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 (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 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 18–20 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 -
  • The rice absorbs every bit of flavor from the beef and spices, creating layers of taste in every single spoonful
  • It comes together in one pan and feeds a crowd, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
  • You can control the heat level while keeping that authentic Cajun depth that makes this dish so addictive
02 -
  • Letting the rice rest covered after cooking is absolutely crucial for perfect texture and moisture distribution
  • Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits when adding broth, those contain concentrated flavor
  • The rice will continue to soften as it rests, so remove from heat while it still has a slight bite to avoid mushy results
03 -
  • Rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier results
  • Pre-chop all your vegetables before starting because once the cooking begins, it moves quickly
  • Use a heavy bottomed pan to prevent hot spots that can scorch the rice at the bottom

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