Description
This Easy Dirty Rice recipe combines flavorful ground beef and pork with aromatic vegetables and Cajun seasoning, cooked with long grain white rice in beef broth. It’s a hearty, comforting one-pot meal perfect for family dinners, showcasing classic Cajun flavors in a simple stovetop method.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oils
- 1-2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive, divided)
- 1 lb. ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 lb. ground pork (breakfast)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small white onion (finely diced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (finely diced)
- 2 ribs celery (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 3 Tbsp. fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Green onions (finely chopped, optional)
Rice and Seasonings
- 1 ¾ cups long grain white rice (thoroughly rinsed)
- 3 ¾ cups beef broth (regular sodium)
- 1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp. salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large Dutch oven over medium heat along with the ground beef and pork. Cook for 7-8 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink. Use a potato masher to break the meat into small crumbles. Remove meat with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels, reserving the grease in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: If the grease left is less than 2 tablespoons, add oil to reach that amount. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Rice: Rinse the long grain white rice under cool running water for 1-2 minutes using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Drain and let the rice dry completely.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Place the rice into the pot with the sautéed vegetables, then add the beef broth, Cajun seasoning, salt, chopped parsley, and the cooked meats. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Turn heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer undisturbed for 22-24 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently, then serve warm garnished with additional chopped parsley or optional green onions.
Notes
- Ensure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch for fluffy grains.
- Use a potato masher or spatula to break meat into small crumbles for authentic texture.
- If you want more spice, increase the Cajun seasoning to taste.
- This recipe can be made using olive or avocado oil based on your preference.
- Letting the rice rest after cooking helps it absorb all flavors and improves texture.
