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Pappadeaux Dirty Rice Recipe

Sara Collins
If you love Cajun food, you will enjoy the Pappadeaux Dirty Rice Recipe. This dish is full of bold flavors, spices and tender ground meat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork sausage
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

Cook the Rice

  • Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Add rice and chicken broth to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is fluffy.

Prepare the Vegetables

  • While rice cooks, chop onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic. Keep them ready. This mixture is called the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking.

Cook the Meat

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add Vegetables to Meat

  • Stir chopped onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic into the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste

  • Stir in tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Combine Rice and Meat Mixture

  • Add cooked rice to the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir gently until everything is mixed evenly and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

  • Remove skillet from heat. Add chopped parsley and green onions. Stir gently to combine. The fresh herbs add color and brightness to the dish.

Serve Warm

  • Scoop rice onto plates or a serving dish. Serve immediately as a side or main dish. Enjoy the bold flavors and Cajun spices.

Notes

  • Use the freshest spices for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook rice; it should remain fluffy.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level.
  • Stir gently to avoid breaking rice grains.
  • Make ahead and reheat gently for meal prep.
Keyword Pappadeaux Dirty Rice Recipe