This quick and easy Dirty Rice Recipe, also known as Cajun rice, combines ground beef, ground sausage, onion, celery, green pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and rice into an abundantly flavorful side dish. It is always a huge hit that is hearty enough to serve as a desired main dish. This recipe is so full of flavor that it is sure to impress.
Here’s a classic recipe for Dirty Rice:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 lb (about 450g) ground beef or pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using), and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the meat and vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish the dirty rice with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish or as a main course. Enjoy your homemade dirty rice!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like diced tomatoes, cooked sausage, or shrimp for extra flavor and texture. Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
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