Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, simple, and incredibly tasty. The Cajun spices bring warmth and depth, while the beef and vegetables make it hearty and wholesome. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and it’s family-friendly—spicy enough to be interesting but mild enough for everyone to enjoy. I especially love how the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks, making every bite packed with richness.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 tbsp Olive oil
500 g (1.1 lb) Beef mince
1 Onion, peeled and chopped
3 Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
4 Celery sticks, cut into small chunks
3 Green peppers, cut into small chunks
4 tsp Cajun spice mix
200 g (7 oz) Long grain rice
4 tbsp Tomato puree
800 ml (3.5 cups) Hot beef stock
75 g (3 oz) Cheese, grated

To serve:
6 Spring onions (optional), chopped

Directions

1. I heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, deep frying pan. I add the beef mince and cook for about 5 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

2. I add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, green peppers, and Cajun spice mix. I cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the spices become fragrant.

3. I rinse the rice well in a sieve under cold water until the water runs clear, then add it to the pan along with the tomato puree and hot beef stock. I season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. I stir everything together, then cover with a lid and cook gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

5. Once the rice is tender, I preheat the grill to HIGH.

6. I fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top, and place the pan under the grill for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

7. I remove it from the grill, sprinkle over the chopped spring onions if using, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook, for a total of 40 minutes. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty family meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Variations

I like to mix things up by using different proteins—chicken, turkey, or even plant-based mince all work well. If I want extra color, I add red or yellow bell peppers instead of just green ones. Sometimes I stir in a handful of sweetcorn or peas for added sweetness. For a spicier version, I increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of chili flakes. If I’m in the mood for a lighter dish, I skip the cheese topping and serve it with a fresh green salad.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a frying pan with a splash of water or stock to keep the rice from drying out. It also reheats well in the microwave—just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway through. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the rice can lose its texture once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but it will need a longer cooking time and a little extra stock.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. I replace the beef mince with lentils, beans, or a vegetarian mince alternative.

What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?

I use a mild Cajun spice blend, but I can add more or less depending on my heat preference.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Courgettes, mushrooms, or spinach work beautifully and make it even more nutritious.

What cheese works best for the topping?

Cheddar is great, but I sometimes use mozzarella for extra meltiness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

How do I keep the rice from sticking?

I stir occasionally and make sure there’s enough liquid during cooking. A non-stick pan helps, too.

Can I make it without grilling?

Yes, I can simply stir the cheese into the hot rice until melted instead of grilling.

Is it very spicy?

It’s mildly spiced, but I can adjust the heat by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I use leftover cooked rice?

Yes, I can use pre-cooked rice—just reduce the stock and simmer for less time until heated through.

What can I serve it with?

I love serving it with a simple green salad, coleslaw, or even warm crusty bread.

Conclusion

This Dirty Rice {Cajun Style Beef One Pot} is one of my go-to meals for when I want something flavorful, quick, and comforting. The blend of spiced beef, tender vegetables, and fluffy rice makes it a complete meal in one pan, with minimal cleanup. It’s a dish full of bold Cajun flavors and hearty textures that always hits the spot—simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.