Cajun Dirty Rice Ground Turkey (Printable)
A savory Cajun dish with ground turkey, vegetables, and spices offering a light and flavorful Southern twist.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 pound ground turkey
02 - 4 ounces chicken livers, finely chopped
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 2 green onions, sliced
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Rice and Liquids
09 - 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
10 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices and Seasonings
11 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
15 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
02 - Add chicken livers to the same pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside with the turkey.
03 - Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Return turkey and livers to the pan. Add Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat.
05 - Stir in rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, letting it absorb the flavors.
06 - Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat. Gently fluff rice with a fork. Stir in green onions and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The ground turkey keeps it lighter than traditional versions while still delivering all that rich Cajun flavor we crave
- One pan means less cleanup and more time enjoying the meal with people you actually like
- The leftovers somehow taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep lunches
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice is simmering, that trapped steam is what cooks the rice properly
- Tasting and adjusting seasoning at the end is crucial because Cajun seasoning brands vary wildly in salt content
03 -
- Rinse your rice until the water runs clear, this simple step prevents gummy rice every time
- Let the spices bloom in the hot oil with the vegetables for a minute before adding the rice