Cajun Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

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Cajun Dirty Rice with Ground Bee 🍚🥩

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 lean)
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped (part of the Holy Trinity)
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped (part of the Holy Trinity)
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped (completes the Holy Trinity)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional, but visible in the photo)
  • 1/2 cup chopped colored bell peppers (red, yellow, orange – visible in the photo)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3-4 green onions (scallions), chopped (for garnish/mixing)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease and set the beef aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: If your skillet is dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Season: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Return the ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and any additional chopped colored bell peppers. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Cook the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
  7. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit (covered) for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped green onions before serving.
💡 Why is it called “Dirty Rice”?
The rice gets its ‘dirty’ color from being cooked with small pieces of meat and seasonings, which stain the rice grains a brownish hue. Traditionally, this was made with chicken giblets (livers and gizzards), but ground meat is a very common substitution today.

 

 

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