Mardi Gras Dirty Rice Ground Beef (Printable)
Vibrant Cajun-inspired rice with aromatic vegetables, ground beef, and bold Creole spices. Perfect for festive meals or weeknights.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 green onions, sliced (plus additional for garnish)
→ Rice and Staples
07 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
08 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Spices and Seasonings
10 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
→ Optional Additions
16 - 1/2 cup chicken livers, finely chopped (traditional, optional)
17 - 1 bay leaf
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until thoroughly browned and cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes. If incorporating chicken livers, add them at this stage and sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes until cooked.
02 - Introduce the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
03 - Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice and toast for 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the savory flavors from the pan.
04 - Evenly sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to thoroughly coat all ingredients.
05 - Pour in the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add the bay leaf, if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and allow it to simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully discard the bay leaf. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then stir in the sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley.
07 - Taste the dirty rice and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional sliced green onions and fresh parsley, if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's an absolute flavor bomb, a perfect blend of savory beef, aromatic veggies, and a symphony of spices that wakes up your taste buds.
- This dish is surprisingly simple to put together, making it an ideal weeknight meal that still feels like a special occasion.
02 -
- Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking is a game-changer for getting that perfectly fluffy texture, preventing a sticky mess.
- Don't lift the lid while the rice is simmering; that steam is essential for even cooking and tender grains.
03 -
- For a deeper flavor profile, toast the rinsed rice in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet; this creates a nutty aroma.
- Always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving; sometimes a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the entire dish.