Description
“Spicy, flavorful, and packed with savory ingredients, this Cajun Dirty Rice is the perfect side dish or main course! Made with seasoned ground meat, bell peppers, and a mix of spices, this classic Louisiana dish is a delicious, hearty addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or enjoying it on its own, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.”
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken, beef, or sausage
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1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
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3 cups chicken broth
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1/4 tsp thyme (optional)
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1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
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1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
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1 bay leaf
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1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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Hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
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Cook the Ground Meat:
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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- Add the ground meat sausage, or your choice and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables:
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Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet.
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Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
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Season the Rice:
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Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
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Add the rice to the skillet and stir to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the seasonings.
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Cook the Rice:
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Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
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Finish and Garnish:
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Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, and fluff the rice with a fork.
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Stir in the chopped green onions for freshness and garnish with extra hot sauce if desired.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Cajun Dirty Rice as a side dish or main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fried chicken, or seafood.
Notes
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For extra flavor, you can add diced beef or andouille sausage to the ground meat.
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If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add fresh chopped jalapeños.
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This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for future meals.
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To make it more of a “dirty” dish, you can also add liver chicken to the ground meat mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish,
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
