Cajun Dirty Rice
This Easy Cajun Dirty Rice with ground beef & Andouille sausage brings authentic Louisiana dirty rice to your table in just 30 minutes! The perfect blend of ground beef, smoky andouille, bell peppers, and Cajun seasoning creates the ultimate comfort food.
Servings: 5
Calories: 416kcal
Ingredients
- ¾ lb ground beef
- 6 oz andouille sausage sliced into coins or half-moons
- 1 small yellow onion diced fine
- ½ small green bell pepper diced fine
- ½ small red bell pepper diced fine
- 2 stalks celery diced fine
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning or to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- Few dashes of hot sauce optional
- Green onions or parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced andouille in a single layer; sear 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet with sausage drippings, add ground beef. Cook until browned (about 5 minutes), breaking it up. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add dry rice and stir to coat in fat. Toast 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent.
- Stir in paprika, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf. Return seared sausage to skillet. Pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover with tight-fitting lid and simmer 20-22 minutes, until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat. Let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Fluff gently with a fork.
- Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce if desired. Sprinkle with chopped green onion or parsley before serving.
Video
Notes
Storage Store leftover Cajun dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze To freeze, cool completely then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
Substitutions
- Ground beef: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version, ground pork for richer flavor, or use traditional chicken livers.
- Andouille sausage: Kielbasa or smoked sausage work well for milder flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 688mg | Potassium: 512mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1140IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 3mg
