Cajun Dirty Rice is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish that’s packed with bold spices, tender beef, and aromatic vegetables. A Louisiana classic, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying family meal. With a hint of spice and a medley of fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients:
- 500 g lean minced beef (5% fat)
- 250 g rice (uncooked)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 red peppers, chopped
- 200 g mushrooms, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 beef stock pot
- 1 chicken stock pot
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (use your preferred brand or mix)
- 1 tablespoon of Frank’s RedHot Sauce (or more, depending on your preferred spice level)
- ½ bunch spring onions, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 rashers lean bacon, visible fat removed, chopped
- Low-calorie cooking spray
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon and Beef: Heat a large non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Add the chopped bacon and cook until lightly browned. Add the minced beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Toss the chopped onions, red peppers, mushrooms, and garlic into the pan. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Seasonings: Incorporate the Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and Frank’s RedHot Sauce into the mixture. Drop in the bay leaf and season with freshly cracked black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the meat and vegetables are evenly coated in the flavorful spices.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to wash away any excess starch. Add the rice to the pan, stirring to combine it with the other ingredients.
- Simmer with Stock: Dissolve the beef and chicken stock pots in 500 ml of boiling water. Pour the stock into the pan, ensuring the rice is fully submerged. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: After the rice is fully cooked, discard the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped spring onions and adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or pepper, if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Cajun Dirty Rice hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or some lightly steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Conclusion:
This Cajun Dirty Rice is a flavorful, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for meal prep or a comforting family dinner. With its bold Cajun spices and mix of savory ingredients, it’s a delicious and satisfying way to bring a taste of Louisiana to your table.
Flavorful Cajun Dirty Rice
A spicy, one-pan Cajun Dirty Rice dish withminced beef, vegetables, and bold flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 500 g lean minced beef 5% fat
- 250 g rice uncooked
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 red peppers chopped
- 200 g mushrooms halved
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 beef stock pot
- 1 chicken stock pot
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning use your preferred brand or mix
- 1 tablespoon of Frank’s RedHot Sauce or more, depending on your preferred spice level
- ½ bunch spring onions chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 rashers lean bacon visible fat removed, chopped
- Low-calorie cooking spray
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon and Beef: Heat a large non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Add the chopped bacon and cook until lightly browned. Add the minced beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Toss the chopped onions, red peppers, mushrooms, and garlic into the pan. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Seasonings: Incorporate the Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and Frank’s RedHot Sauce into the mixture. Drop in the bay leaf and season with freshly cracked black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the meat and vegetables are evenly coated in the flavorful spices.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to wash away any excess starch. Add the rice to the pan, stirring to combine it with the other ingredients.
- Simmer with Stock: Dissolve the beef and chicken stock pots in 500 ml of boiling water. Pour the stock into the pan, ensuring the rice is fully submerged. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: After the rice is fully cooked, discard the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped spring onions and adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or pepper, if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Cajun Dirty Rice hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or some lightly steamed vegetables to round out the meal.