Cajun Dirty Rice Dish (Printable)

A flavorful Southern classic featuring spiced rice and savory ground meat with aromatic vegetables.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1/2 pound ground pork
02 - 1/2 pound ground beef or chicken livers (traditional choice)

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)

→ Rice & Liquids

08 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
09 - 2 cups chicken broth
10 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and ground beef or chicken livers. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 7 minutes.
02 - Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, diced celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
03 - Stir in Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the meat and vegetables.
04 - Add rinsed long-grain white rice to the skillet and stir to combine. Allow rice to toast gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 22 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
07 - Sprinkle sliced spring onions over the top before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour with pantry staples, making it perfect for nights when inspiration hits at 5 PM.
  • The meat browns while your vegetables soften, so there's minimal standing around and maximum flavor.
  • One pot means one dish to wash, and somehow it tastes even better than fancier methods.
02 -
  • Don't stir the rice once it's simmering—resist the urge, even when curiosity strikes, because stirring releases starch and ruins that fluffy texture.
  • Taste before you finish, especially if using store-bought Cajun seasoning, since saltiness varies wildly between brands and you can always add more.
03 -
  • If you want more depth, add chicken livers alongside the ground meat—they sound intimidating but dissolve into the dish and add richness that beef alone can't touch.
  • Taste your broth before adding it; a weak broth means a flat dish, so don't be shy about using the good stuff.
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