Louisiana Dirty Rice Southern (Print Format)

Savory blend of ground meats, Cajun vegetables, and aromatic Cajun spices for a hearty Southern classic.

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 lb ground pork or sausage
03 - ½ cup finely chopped chicken livers (optional)
04 - 1 large onion, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 3 stalks celery, diced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 cups chicken broth
09 - 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, cooked
10 - 1 tablespoon cooking oil
11 - 1 teaspoon paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
14 - Salt to taste
15 - Black pepper to taste
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

# Steps:

01 - Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, pork, and optional chicken livers. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
03 - Stir in the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
04 - Add paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
05 - Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
06 - Fold in the cooked rice until well combined with the meat and vegetable mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
07 - Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

# Tips:

01 - Vegetarian Variation: For a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with a mix of lentils and finely chopped mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
02 - Storage: Leftover dirty rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if necessary to keep it moist.
03 - Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference for heat.