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Cajun Dirty Orzo

Hearty Cajun Dirty Orzo: A Flavorful One-Pan Delight

This Cajun Dirty Orzo is a hearty one-pan meal blending smoky spices and creamy orzo, perfect for families and busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons butter can substitute with margarine or omit for dairy-free
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil can be replaced with any neutral oil
  • 1 finely diced shallot or yellow/white onion
  • 1 diced green bell pepper any color bell pepper works
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning adjust according to spice tolerance
  • 0.5 teaspoon celery salt use regular salt if unavailable
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic & herb seasoning or garlic powder
  • dried parsley for garnish, use fresh or omit if unavailable
  • salt adjust based on broth sodium content
For the Main Dish
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey/crumbled sausage
  • 1 cup orzo pasta substitutions possible with other small pasta
  • 1 cup tomato purée can use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth use homemade or low-sodium
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella, omit for dairy-free
  • red jalapeño sliced for garnish, omit if milder flavor preferred
  • fresh thyme or dried thyme

Equipment

  • large deep non-stick pan

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large, deep non-stick pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 finely diced shallot and 1 diced green bell pepper, sauté for about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon of celery salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic & herb seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  3. Increase heat to medium, add 1 pound of ground beef, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of orzo pasta, stir well, and toast for about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Mix in 1 cup of tomato purée and 2 cups of beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with fresh thyme.
  7. Spoon into bowls and garnish with slices of red jalapeño or additional cheese. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish combines rich flavors and comforting textures in one pan.

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