Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Louisiana with this mouthwatering Cajun Dirty Rice recipe that's guaranteed to make your dinner table sizzle! This iconic dish isn't just a meal - it's a culinary adventure that combines hearty ground meats, aromatic vegetables, and explosive Cajun seasoning into a one-pan wonder that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to add some Southern charm to your cooking repertoire, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain white rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and ground pork, breaking the meat into small crumbles.
- Cook the meat until it's completely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the meat. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and gently fold the meat mixture into the rice, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Crucial: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separated grains.
- Meat Matters: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for maximum flavor complexity. Make sure to brown the meat completely for rich, deep taste.
- Veggie Precision: Chop your onions, bell peppers, and celery into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and balanced texture.
- Spice Control: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld and intensify.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or green onions can add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Leftover Magic: This recipe tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make extra!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
