Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Instructions:

1. Cook the beef
   • Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables
   • In the same skillet, heat oil or butter.
   • Add onion, bell pepper, and celery (the Cajun “holy trinity”). Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
   • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Season & combine
   • Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet.
   • Stir in paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne.
4. Cook rice
   • Add uncooked rice and stir well to coat with seasonings.
   • Pour in broth, add bay leaves, and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Finish & serve
   • Remove bay leaves. Fluff rice with a fork.
   • Garnish with green onions and parsley.

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✨ Tips:

• You can swap ground beef for ground sausage, turkey, or a mix for deeper flavor.
• For a more authentic Cajun “dirty” look, stir in a few chicken livers (finely chopped and sautéed with the beef).
• Serve with cornbread or alongside roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Would you like me to also give you a one-pot slow cooker version of dirty rice with ground beef for convenience?