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Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful Southern-inspired dish combining bold Cajun spices, tender ground beef, and fluffy long-grain white rice. This comforting one-pan meal comes together quickly in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights while delivering rich, savory flavors that satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Set aside to form the flavor base of the dish.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  4. Add the rice and seasoning: Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it well with the beef and vegetables. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly, allowing the spices to toast slightly to release aroma.
  5. Pour in broth and simmer: Pour chicken broth over the mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
  6. Fluff and finish: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains and evenly distribute flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning for the best flavor impact.
  • Sauté vegetables slowly to unlock their natural sweetness.
  • Toast the rice slightly by stirring before adding broth for a nutty undertone.
  • Maintain proper broth quantity to avoid dry or mushy rice.
  • Letting the dish rest covered after cooking enhances flavor melding and texture.

Nutrition

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