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Cajun Dirty Orzo

A spicy, savory one-pot meal featuring orzo pasta, ground beef, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, simmered in a rich Cajun broth. A delicious twist on traditional Dirty Rice.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef or spicy pork sausage
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta dry, uncooked
  • 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth (plus more if needed)
The Aromatics
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
Seasoning & Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme for garnish
  • 1 red chili sliced, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to toast slightly with the meat and vegetable mixture (about 2 minutes).
  5. Pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  6. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed and pasta is tender.
  7. Fluff with a fork and serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme and sliced red chilies.

Notes

If using a salt-free Cajun blend, add 1-2 tsp of salt. For a creamier finish, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.