Mardi Gras Dirty Rice Ground Beef (Printable)
A vibrant, Cajun-inspired rice creation featuring ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and bold Creole spices for any occasion.
# 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 extra for garnish)
→ Rice & Staples
07 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
08 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Spices & 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 extra 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 vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. If using, add 1/2 cup finely chopped chicken livers and sauté for 2–3 minutes until cooked.
02 - Add 1 medium yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper, 2 celery stalks, and 3 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in 1 cup rinsed long-grain white rice and toast for 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if desired). Stir to coat everything evenly.
04 - Pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and add 1 bay leaf if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
05 - Remove the skillet from heat. Discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in 2 sliced green onions and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Mardi Gras Dirty Rice hot, garnished with extra green onions and parsley.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This dish is your secret weapon for making weeknights feel like a celebration, even when there's no parade outside.
- It's incredibly satisfying and packs a flavor punch that will make everyone ask for seconds, without requiring hours of fuss.
02 -
- Don't skip rinsing the rice; a quick rinse prevents a sticky, gummy texture and ensures each grain is distinct and fluffy.
- Embrace the chicken livers if you can the first time I added them, the depth of flavor was absolutely transformative.
03 -
- If you're making your own Cajun seasoning, consider toasting the individual spices lightly before grinding them for an even more potent and aromatic blend.
- For truly next level flavor, use homemade chicken broth; the depth it brings compared to store bought is noticeable.