Description
A comforting one-skillet meal featuring fluffy rice, tender ground beef, and vibrant vegetables, seasoned with Cajun spices for a hearty dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (add more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; drain well.
- In a medium pot, bring 2 cups beef broth to a simmer. Add the rice, cover, and cook per package directions (white rice usually 15–18 minutes). Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Brown until no longer pink and some caramelized bits form, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add another splash of oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, coating the beef and vegetables evenly. Cook 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Fold in the cooked rice, mixing thoroughly so the rice is evenly coated and slightly browned in the pan. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more Cajun, salt, or pepper as desired.
- If the mixture seems dry, add up to 1/4 cup broth or water and cook 1–2 minutes to bring it together.
- Serve hot.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead for potlucks. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 80mg