Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that'll have your taste buds dancing! This One-Pot Cajun Mince and Rice is not just a meal – it's a flavor-packed journey through the vibrant and bold world of Cajun cuisine. Imagine a dish that combines the rich, hearty goodness of ground beef, the aromatic kick of Cajun seasoning, and perfectly cooked rice – all prepared in a single pan with minimal cleanup. Whether you're a busy home cook or a spice enthusiast looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that brings the spirit of Louisiana right to your dinner table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping onion and bell pepper, mincing garlic, and measuring out spices and rice.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef, leaving a small amount for cooking vegetables.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften and become translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and uncooked rice. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff rice with a fork, season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Beef: Opt for ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for maximum flavor, but drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Spice Control: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more if needed – you can always increase the heat, but you can't take it away!
- Rice Matters: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take time to properly brown the beef and sauté the vegetables. This builds a deep, rich flavor base for the entire dish.
- Let it Rest: The 5-minute resting period after cooking is crucial. It allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add additional vegetables like celery or okra to make it even more authentic. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top can add a fresh finish.
- Storage Tip: This one-pot wonder reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
