Name: Cajun Dirty Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 shallots or 1 onion, finely diced; 2 green bell peppers, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp celery salt; 1 tsp garlic & herb seasoning or garlic powder; 2 tsp dried parsley; ½ tsp salt; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb (500g) lean ground beef; 1 ½ cups (300g) orzo pasta; 2 tbsp tomato purée / concentrated tomato paste; 3 ⅓ cups (800ml) beef broth or beef stock (made with two stock cubes); 3 tbsp cheddar cheese, grated (plus extra to serve); 1 red jalapeño, sliced (optional, for serving); Fresh thyme, to serve

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Introduction

Cajun Dirty Orzo is a flavorful one-pan dish combining tender orzo pasta with spiced ground beef and vibrant vegetables. This hearty, comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but packed with bold Cajun flavors.

A close-up of a white bowl with a brown decorative pattern on the edge, filled with a mix of cooked ground meat, small pasta, and shredded yellow cheese. The dish is dotted with bright green herbs and thin slices of red chili pepper scattered on top. The texture of the pasta is smooth and glossy, while the meat is crumbly and mixed evenly throughout. It sits on a white marbled surface with a spoon partially visible inside the bowl, held by a woman's hand. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 shallots or 1 onion, finely diced
2 green bell peppers, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp celery salt
1 tsp garlic & herb seasoning or garlic powder
2 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp salt
1 lb (500g) ground beef (lean mince recommended)
1 ½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
2 tbsp tomato purée (concentrated tomato paste)
3 ⅓ cups (800ml) beef broth or stock (made with two stock cubes)
3 tbsp cheddar cheese, grated, plus extra to serve
1 red jalapeño, sliced (optional, for serving)
Fresh thyme, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the diced shallots or onion and green bell peppers, sautéing for about five minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic along with the Cajun seasoning, celery salt, garlic & herb seasoning, dried parsley, and salt.
Step 2: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it starts to brown evenly.
Step 3: Add the orzo pasta to the pan, stirring continuously. Let the orzo toast lightly while the beef finishes browning.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato purée, then pour in the beef broth or stock. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15–20 minutes.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and mix in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Step 6: Serve hot with optional sliced red jalapeño or dried chili flakes for extra heat, and sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use mild Cajun seasoning for a child-friendly version, or adjust the amount to control spice level.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or crumbled sausage for a different flavor.
Select low-sodium beef broth to balance the saltiness from seasonings.
If you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or milk just before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a little water to loosen the orzo and prevent it from drying out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a round white plate filled with a colorful dish of cooked ground meat mixed with small pasta shapes. The pasta pieces are light yellow and soft-looking, while the meat is brown and crumbly. Bright toppings of thin red chili slices and fresh green herb leaves are scattered on top, adding contrast and freshness. There are also some small pieces of yellow shredded cheese or pickled vegetable mixed in. The plate has a delicate brown pattern around the edge, and it sits on a white marbled surface, giving the whole scene a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small elbows work well as substitutes, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is Cajun Dirty Orzo spicy?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning used. For a milder dish, use less seasoning or a mild blend. You can always add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to increase heat when serving.