🍚 Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
🥘 Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef (you can also use a mix of beef and pork)
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1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
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2 celery stalks, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ½ cups long grain white rice, uncooked
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3 cups beef or chicken broth
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (see below to make your own)
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½ tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp paprika
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¼ tsp black pepper
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2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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Salt, to taste
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Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce
👨🍳 Instructions:
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Brown the beef:
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add the vegetables:
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Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
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Cook for 5–7 minutes, until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
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Toast the rice:
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Stir in uncooked rice and toast it for 2–3 minutes with the meat and veggies.
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Add broth and seasonings:
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Pour in broth.
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Add Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and Worcestershire (if using).
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Stir well and bring to a boil.
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Simmer:
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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Do not remove the lid or stir during this time.
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Fluff and finish:
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Remove from heat, let sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped green onions.
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🔥 Cajun Seasoning (DIY blend):
Mix the following together and store the extra:
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1 tbsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp cayenne pepper
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt
📝 Tips & Variations:
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Spicier: Add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
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More authentic: Add chopped chicken livers (classic in dirty rice).
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Vegetarian version: Use mushrooms and veggie broth instead of meat.
Let me know if you’d like a one-pot Instant Pot or rice cooker version!
