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Cajun Ground Beef Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 421 reviews

Cajun Dirty Orzo is a flavorful one-pot dish combining tender orzo pasta with seasoned ground beef and a medley of aromatic vegetables and spices. Enriched with a blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and herbs, simmered in beef broth, and finished with melted cheddar cheese, this comforting and easy-to-make meal offers bold Southern-inspired flavors perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Base 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

Seasonings

  • 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 lb (500g) ground beef (lean mince preferred)
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée or concentrated tomato paste
  • 3 ⅓ cups (800ml) beef broth or stock (made with two stock cubes)

Finishing Touches

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallots or onion, green bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
  2. Season the Vegetables: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, celery salt, garlic & herb seasoning, dried parsley, and salt. Stir thoroughly to coat the vegetables with the spices, allowing the flavors to develop for another 1-2 minutes.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add Orzo and Tomato Paste: Stir in the orzo pasta and tomato purée, mixing well to combine and coat the pasta and beef mixture evenly.
  5. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth or stock, ensuring the orzo is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.
  6. Add Cheese and Finish: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve topped with extra cheddar cheese, a few slices of red jalapeño if desired, and fresh thyme for garnish.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and to reduce excess grease.
  • Cajun seasoning can vary in spice level; adjust quantity to taste.
  • Substitute chicken broth for beef broth if preferred, but beef broth enhances the deep savory flavor.
  • Orzo cooks quickly but watch it closely during simmering to avoid overcooking or sticking.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/cajun-ground-beef-orzo-recipe/