Dirty Cajun Rice
Unleash bold Southern flavors with this Dirty Cajun Rice recipe—a hearty, one-skillet dish bursting with the soulful essence of Louisiana. Made with fluffy long-grain white rice, tender ground beef, and flavorful chicken livers, this recipe is elevated by the aromatic "holy trinity" of onion, green bell pepper, and celery. A generous blend of Cajun seasoning, smoky paprika, and thyme infuses every bite with spice and depth, while scallion garnishes provide a pop of freshness. Perfect as a standalone meal or a robust side dish, this comforting rice recipe is easy to prepare in under an hour, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Whether you're craving a taste of the Bayou or exploring new comfort food recipes, Dirty Cajun Rice is sure to satisfy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 pounds ground beef
- 0.5 pounds chicken livers, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 scallions, sliced thinly (optional garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes or until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Saute for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef and chopped chicken livers to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until both are browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, and ground black pepper over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices.
Reduce the heat to low and fold the cooked rice into the skillet mixture. Mix until the rice absorbs all the flavors and is evenly distributed, about 3-4 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more Cajun seasoning or salt to your preference.
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced scallions if desired.
Serve hot as a side dish or a satisfying main meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1857 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.0 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.4 g | 167% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1463 mg | 488% | |
| Sodium | 1137 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 123.8 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.3 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.5 g | ||
| Protein | 116.7 g | 233% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 352 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 29.7 mg | 165% | |
| Potassium | 2264 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
