Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
25 mins
-
Total Time
40 mins
-
Servings
8 servings
-
Calories
299 kcal
-
Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe
Description
This recipe combines a mixture of chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers sautéed in butter or bacon grease to form the flavorful base. Garlic adds aromatic depth before lean ground beef is browned and coated with Cajun seasoning and thyme to introduce spice and herbal notes. Long grain rice is mixed with the cooked meat and vegetables and then simmered with beef broth until tender.
The use of Cajun seasoning with a salt component provides the characteristic spice and complexity typical of Cajun cuisine. Fluffing the rice and folding in fresh parsley adds bright color and a fresh herbal touch. Adjusting the amount of seasoning can control the spice level.
This dish can be served on its own or as a side to accompany other Cajun or Creole dishes. It also stores well and tends to develop deeper flavors when made ahead and refrigerated. Reheating on the stovetop with a splash of water refreshes the texture without drying out the rice.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or bacon grease
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper any color, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 3-5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning with salt
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 2 cup long grain rice
- 4 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- Set a large 6 quart saucepot over medium heat. Add the butter, chopped onions, celery, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and sauté for 5 minutes, until the onions are soft.
- Stir in the ground beef, Cajun seasoning, and thyme. Use a wooden spoon to break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks. Brown the meat for another 5 minutes. *If you are sensitive to spice, use only 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. If you like to spice things up use 4-5 teaspoons!
- Once the meat has cooked through and is broken into very small pieces, stir in the rice. Mix well to coat all the grains of rice in beef juices. Then pour the beef broth over the top.
- Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Once boiling, stir well, then cover the pot again. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Then remove the pot from the heat and leave it to steam another 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice and stir in the parsley. Taste, then add additional Cajun seasoning (or salt) if needed.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for the classic version, or substitute with ground chicken, pork sausage, or vegan grounds.
- Make ahead to enhance flavor; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 299 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 299kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 43mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 522mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 449mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1260IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 46mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
