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Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful Cajun-inspired dish combining savory ground beef, aromatic spices, rice, and a colorful mix of vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering bold flavors and a satisfying texture that can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Base

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup white rice, rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Fats

  • 2 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onions, bell peppers, and celery, and mince the garlic so everything is ready. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
  2. Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Lower heat to medium and add diced onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic to the beef. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  4. Add spices and rice: Stir in Cajun seasoning, coating the meat and vegetables evenly. Add rinsed rice and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Cook the rice: Pour chicken broth over the mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Finish and garnish: Fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle chopped green onions and parsley on top for a fresh, bright finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning for best flavor.
  • Brown the ground beef well to add depth to the dish.
  • Rinsing the rice prevents clumping and produces fluffier texture.
  • Adjust broth quantity depending on rice type to ensure proper cooking.
  • Let the cooked rice rest covered off heat for 5 minutes to set and meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dirty Rice, Ground Beef, Cajun recipe, One-pot meal, Comfort food, Quick dinner, Gluten free