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Cajun Dirty Orzo Recipe

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4.1 from 11 reviews

A flavorful and hearty Cajun Dirty Orzo dish featuring tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and creamy cheddar cheese cooked together with orzo pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Main 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 beef mince)
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée or 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)

For Serving (Optional)

  • 1 red jalapeño, sliced
  • Fresh thyme

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add diced shallots and green bell peppers and sauté for five minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and all the seasonings including Cajun seasoning, celery salt, garlic & herb seasoning, dried parsley, and salt to infuse the aromatics.
  2. Brown the Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the pan. Use the back of a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook until it is browned thoroughly, ensuring the flavors meld and the beef is cooked through.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the browned beef mixture. Stir continuously until the orzo looks slightly toasted and coated in the flavorful oils and seasonings.
  4. Add Tomato and Broth: Stir in the tomato purée, mixing it well into the beef and orzo mixture. Pour in the beef broth and bring the pan to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
  5. Simmer Until Cooked: Let the orzo cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  6. Incorporate Cheese and Finish: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh thyme for an aromatic finish.
  7. Serve: Plate the Cajun Dirty Orzo and top with sliced red jalapeño or sprinkle dried red chili flakes for an extra kick. Add more cheddar cheese on top if desired. Enjoy warm and flavorful!

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and to reduce grease.
  • Cajun seasoning can be store-bought or homemade; adjust the amount to control heat.
  • Beef broth can be substituted with stock or bouillon cubes dissolved in water for convenience.
  • If you prefer less spice, omit the jalapeño or use milder peppers for serving.
  • Grated cheddar cheese adds creaminess, but feel free to substitute with other sharp cheeses if preferred.

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