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Cajun Dirty Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 66 reviews

Cajun Dirty Orzo is a flavorful, comforting one-pan meal combining tender orzo pasta with spiced ground beef and vibrant vegetables, all infused with aromatic Cajun seasoning. This hearty dish balances mild heat with rich tomato and beef broth, finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh thyme for a satisfying Southern-inspired dinner that’s easy to prepare and perfect for the family.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 shallots or 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 green bell peppers, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings & Spices

  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp celery salt
  • 1 tsp garlic & herb seasoning or garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp salt

Main Ingredients

  • 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)

Finishing & Garnish

  • 3 tbsp cheddar cheese, grated (plus extra to serve)
  • 1 red jalapeño, sliced (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh thyme, to serve

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the finely diced shallots (or onion) and green bell peppers, sautéing gently for about five minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic along with Cajun seasoning, celery salt, garlic & herb seasoning, dried parsley, and salt to evenly coat the vegetables with the spices.
  2. Brown the Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the lean ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat using the back of a wooden spoon and cook until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink, ensuring it mixes well with the seasoned vegetables.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pan stirring continuously. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the orzo takes on a lightly toasted appearance, about a few minutes. This step helps develop flavor and slightly enhances the texture.
  4. Simmer with Broth and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato purée followed by pouring in the beef broth or stock. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the orzo to cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  5. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and quickly stir in grated cheddar cheese so it melts into the hot orzo mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve topped with sliced red jalapeño or additional cheese for extra heat and flavor.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, stir in a little water to loosen the orzo.
  • This recipe is not suitable for freezing as the texture of the pasta may degrade.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your preferred spice level—start with 1 teaspoon for milder heat.
  • Use low sodium beef broth or stock cubes to control the saltiness, as seasoning already contains salt.
  • You can substitute lean ground beef with other ground meats like turkey or crumbled sausage to suit dietary preferences.

Keywords: Cajun orzo, dirty rice style, one-pan meal, ground beef recipe, Cajun seasoning dinner, easy weeknight dinner, comforting pasta dish

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/cajun-dirty-orzo-recipe/