Cajun Dirty Rice Ground Turkey (Printable version)
A flavorful Southern rice featuring lean ground turkey, aromatic vegetables, and bold Cajun spices. Excellent as a main or side.
# Ingredient List:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 pound ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
→ Rice & Liquids
07 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
08 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Fats
16 - 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
→ Garnish
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey, breaking it apart, and cook until it is no longer pink and begins to brown, approximately 5-6 minutes.
02 - Add the finely chopped yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, diced celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
03 - Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if desired for extra heat). Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
04 - Add the rinsed long-grain white rice to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat the grains with the vegetable and spice mixture.
05 - Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the thinly sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley (if using).
07 - Taste the dirty rice and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with any reserved green onions and additional fresh parsley.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It's comfort food with a healthy twist, delivering big, bold flavors without feeling heavy.
- This dish is surprisingly quick to pull together, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're craving something special.
02 -
- Rinsing your rice thoroughly is a non-negotiable step; it's the secret to fluffy, distinct grains instead of a sticky mess.
- Resist the urge to peek or stir the rice too much while it's simmering; keeping the lid on traps the steam, which is essential for even cooking.
03 -
- For an even deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have it, or consider adding a pinch of Better Than Bouillon to store-bought broth.
- Allowing the rice to rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes after cooking, still covered, helps it steam through perfectly and become even fluffier.