Name: Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or pork or sausage); 1 pound pork sausage, casings removed; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup onion, diced; 1 cup bell pepper, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 green onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 4 cups beef broth; 2 cups long-grained rice; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional); 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

Cajun Dirty Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish packed with seasoned ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and rice. This classic Southern recipe brings a spicy, comforting meal perfect for any day of the week.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with cooked rice mixed with browned ground meat, small pieces of red and green bell peppers, and diced onions. The dish is garnished with chopped fresh green onions and parsley scattered on top, adding fresh green color. The bowl is white with a brown dotted rim, sitting on a white marbled surface with some fresh parsley leaves around it. The rice has a golden-brown color from spices, and everything looks moist and well mixed. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 pound ground beef (or pork or sausage)
1 pound pork sausage, casings removed
1 cup onion, diced
1 cup bell pepper, diced
1 cup celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
4 cups beef broth
2 cups long grain rice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, pork sausage, onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook, breaking the meat apart and stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the chopped garlic and Cajun seasoning to the pan. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Pour in the beef broth, then add the rice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the sliced green onions and chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce along with the Cajun seasoning.
Try substituting ground turkey for a leaner option.
Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but increase cooking time accordingly.
If you prefer, swap the pork sausage for andouille sausage to deepen the Cajun flavor.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meats and using vegetable broth with seasoned mushrooms or lentils.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Dirty Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a large white pot with red handles filled with cooked rice mixed with ground meat, small pieces of green celery, red bell peppers, and chopped green onions sprinkled on top. The rice is light brown, and the meat is finely crumbled and evenly spread throughout. A silver spoon rests inside the pot, scooping a portion of the rice mixture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cajun Dirty Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning and optional additions. You can adjust the heat by using milder or hotter seasoning blends or adding hot sauce to taste.