Description
Flavorful Cajun classic with ground pork, beef, “holy trinity” vegetables, optional chicken livers, and spices. Simmered and mixed with rice for a hearty, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2–3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken livers, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked long-grain rice (day-old rice works best)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Chop all vegetables and measure out spices.
- Brown Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Livers: Add minced garlic and chopped chicken livers (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant and livers are cooked through.
- Season: Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove Bay Leaves: After simmering, remove the bay leaves.
- Add Worcestershire: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
- Add Rice: Add cooked rice to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Heat Through: Increase heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until rice is heated through and has absorbed some of the liquid, about 5-10 minutes. Add more chicken broth if too dry, or cook uncovered to evaporate liquid if too wet.
- Add Parsley: Stir in the fresh parsley.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, or hot sauce to taste.
- Serve: Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best results.
- Don’t overcook the rice.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Serve as a side dish or main course.
- Optional additions: mushrooms, carrots, peas, jalapeños, serrano peppers, shrimp, crawfish, smoked sausage, or ground chicken.
- For vegetarian option, omit meat and chicken livers and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes