YumVerseEats
Cajun Comfort
Cajun Dirty Rice
A Cajun dirty rice with ground beef, sausage, the holy trinity, and smoky seasoning.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
15
min
Active Time
35
min
Total Time
6
SERVINGS
Stovetop
METHOD
Why It Works
Browning the meat first gives the rice its signature savory color and depth. Simmering the rice in the seasoned drippings carries that flavor through every bite.
Ingredients
Protein
• ½ lb ground beef
• ½ lb smoked sausage, diced
Vegetables
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
Sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pasta & Grains
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
Topping
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
How to Make It
1
Brown the ground beef and sausage in a skillet over medium-high, breaking up the beef.
2
Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook 5 minutes, then stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika.
3
Stir in the rice to coat.
4
Pour in broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
5
Cook 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6
Fluff, top with green onions, and serve.
How to Make It
1
Brown the ground beef and sausage in a skillet over medium-high, breaking up the beef.
2
Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook 5 minutes, then stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika.
3
Stir in the rice to coat.
4
Pour in broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
5
Cook 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6
Fluff, top with green onions, and serve.
Ingredients
Protein
• ½ lb ground beef
• ½ lb smoked sausage, diced
Vegetables
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
Sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pasta & Grains
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
Topping
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Storage & Reheat
Store:
Store up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth.
Swaps
No chicken broth? Use the same amount of vegetable broth.
Avo's Tip
Let the meat brown undisturbed for a minute before stirring — those browned bits are the flavor.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
What's the meat in dirty rice?
Traditionally chicken livers and ground pork; this weeknight version uses ground beef and sausage.
Can I use leftover rice?
Yes. Stir cooked rice into the seasoned meat and trinity and warm through.
Is it a main or a side?
Both — serve it as a hearty side or add more meat to make it a main.
Quick Fixes
Rice too dry: add a splash of broth and cover.
Want it richer: stir in a pat of butter at the end.
More heat: add cayenne or hot sauce.
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