A hearty, flavorful one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy long-grain rice. This classic comfort dish is perfect for busy weeknights and packs just the right amount of Cajun-inspired spice.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, substitute half the ground beef with ground pork or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce while cooking the meat.