Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

🍚 Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

🥘 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use a mix of beef and pork)

• 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, uncooked

• 3 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (see below to make your own)

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Salt, to taste

• Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Brown the beef:

   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.

   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add the vegetables:

   • Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.

   • Cook for 5–7 minutes, until vegetables are soft and fragrant.

3. Toast the rice:

   • Stir in uncooked rice and toast it for 2–3 minutes with the meat and veggies.

4. Add broth and seasonings:

   • Pour in broth.

   • Add Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and Worcestershire (if using).

   • Stir well and bring to a boil.

5. Simmer:

   • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

   • Do not remove the lid or stir during this time.

6. Fluff and finish:

   • Remove from heat, let sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

   • Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped green onions.

🔥 Cajun Seasoning (DIY blend):

Mix the following together and store the extra:

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

📝 Tips & Variations:

• Spicier: Add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.

• More authentic: Add chopped chicken livers (classic in dirty rice).

• 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!