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Easy Weeknight Dirty Rice

This Easy Weeknight Dirty Rice has all the savory, comforting flavor of classic dirty rice but comes together with simple ingredients that are easy to find and kid-friendly enough for busy weeknights.
Course dinner, Family Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword easy, kid friendly, quick and easy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, pork, or sausage
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 medium =carrots diced small
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup corn frozen, canned, or fresh
  • 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 green onions, sliced optional for garnish
  • Fresh parsley optional for garnish
  • Hot sauce optional for serving

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
    Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Add diced onion and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until the onion softens and the carrots begin to become tender.
    Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Add the cooked rice, corn, peas, broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
    Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is hot, the vegetables are tender, and most of the liquid has absorbed.
    Taste and add more salt, Cajun seasoning, or hot sauce as desired.
  • Top with sliced green onions and fresh parsley and serve warm.
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