Cajun Dirty Orzo
A hearty and flavorful Cajun Dirty Orzo recipe that combines ground beef and orzo pasta with aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 count shallots (or 1 onion), finely diced
- 2 count green bell peppers, finely diced
- 3 count garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp celery salt
- 1 tsp garlic & herb seasoning
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 3.33 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 count red jalapeño, sliced
- 1 count Fresh thyme
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the finely diced shallots and green bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, celery salt, garlic & herb seasoning, dried parsley, and salt. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Tip: Ensure the beef is fully browned for the best flavor.
- Once the beef is browned, add the orzo pasta and stir for a couple of minutes until the orzo is slightly toasted. Tip: This step enhances the nutty flavor of the orzo.
- Mix in the tomato purée and then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme and sliced jalapeño or dried red chili flakes for an extra kick. Don’t forget to sprinkle more cheese on top if you like!
Notes
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.