Cajun Dirty Orzo

If Cajun Dirty Orzo sounds like something you’d order at a cute little spot and then try (and fail) to recreate at home… friend, we’re doing it better in your own kitchen. This is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug with a little Louisiana-style wink—spicy, savory, and ridiculously satisfying without requiring you to wash every pot you own.

It’s got that “dirty rice” vibe (meaty, seasoned, cozy), but we’re swapping in orzo pasta so it turns into a creamy, spoonable skillet situation. Basically: Cajun Dirty Orzo is what happens when comfort food and “I only have 30 minutes” shake hands and agree to be besties.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Dirty Orzo

• One pan, minimal chaos. You sauté, brown, simmer, and stir in cheese—done.
• Big flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients. Cajun seasoning + tomato paste + broth = magic.
• Picky-eater friendly (with a spicy upgrade for the brave). Jalapeño for the heat-lovers, optional for everyone else.
• Creamy, hearty, and filling. The orzo soaks up that beefy broth like it was born for it.

This is the type of dish I make when I want everyone to be quiet at the table for five minutes… because they’re too busy eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this skillet masterpiece:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 shallots (or 1 onion), finely diced
• 2 green bell peppers, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp celery salt
• 1 tsp garlic & herb seasoning (or garlic powder)
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 lb (500g) ground beef (lean works great)
• 1 ½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp tomato purée / concentrated tomato paste
• 3 ⅓ cups (800ml) beef broth/stock
• 3 tbsp cheddar cheese, grated (plus extra for serving—because yes)
• 1 red jalapeño, sliced (optional, to serve)
• Fresh thyme, to serve

Quick note on Cajun seasoning

Some blends are mild, some are “hello, I live in your sinuses now.” If yours is salty or extra spicy, you may want to hold back a tiny bit at first and adjust at the end.

How to Make Cajun Dirty Orzo (Step-by-Step)

1) Sauté the flavor base

Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the diced shallots/onion and green bell peppers.

Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant (your kitchen will already smell like dinner is handling itself).

Now stir in:

• minced garlic
• Cajun seasoning
• celery salt
• garlic & herb seasoning
• dried parsley
• salt

Let those spices warm up for 30 seconds to 1 minute—just long enough to “wake them up.”

2) Brown the beef

Turn the heat up slightly and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it starts to brown.

You’re aiming for browned bits, not gray beef sadness. Those little brown bits = flavor gold.

3) Toast the orzo

Add the orzo right into the pan. Stir it around with the beef for a minute or two until the orzo looks a little glossy and lightly toasted.

This step is small but mighty—it gives the pasta a deeper, almost nutty flavor that makes Cajun Dirty Orzo taste like you fussed (even though you didn’t).

4) Add tomato paste + broth and simmer

Stir in the tomato paste until everything is coated.

Pour in the beef broth/stock, bring it to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the mixture looks thick and saucy. If it starts to look dry before the orzo is done, splash in a little extra broth or water (no drama).

5) Make it cheesy and finish strong

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar until it melts into the dish.

Taste it. Adjust seasoning if needed. (Sometimes it wants a pinch more salt, sometimes it’s perfect—Cajun seasoning blends vary a lot.)

Garnish with fresh thyme, and serve with:

• extra cheddar
• sliced red jalapeño (optional)
• or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little fire

My Best Tips (So It Turns Out “SUPER YUM” Every Time)

• Use a wide pan. Orzo likes room to simmer evenly. A deep skillet or sauté pan is perfect.
• Stir occasionally, especially near the end. Orzo can cling to the bottom like a toddler refusing bedtime.
• Watch the salt level. If your broth is salty and your Cajun seasoning is salty, you may not need much extra.
• Want it creamier? Add an extra handful of cheese or a splash of broth at the end.
• Want it spicier? Jalapeño on top is great because everyone can customize their own bowl (marriage-saving feature, honestly).

A Little Personal Note From My Kitchen

This is one of those meals I started making on nights when I needed something hearty but didn’t have the energy for a complicated recipe. You know the kind of day: work, errands, laundry mountain staring you down like it pays rent.

The first time I made Cajun Dirty Orzo, I planned on leftovers. Then the pan was… mysteriously empty. I’m not saying someone scraped the skillet with a spoon while standing at the stove, but I’m also not not saying that.

Now it’s a repeat request anytime we want cozy comfort with a little kick.

FAQs About Cajun Dirty Orzo

Bring the Cajun Dirty Orzo Magic to Your Table

There’s something deeply comforting about a skillet dinner that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. This Cajun Dirty Orzo is bold, cozy, and cheesy in all the right ways—perfect for busy weeknights, hungry families, or anyone who just wants a big bowl of “mmm yes” without a sink full of dishes.

If you make Cajun Dirty Orzo, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation. Add the jalapeño if you’re feeling feisty, pile on the cheese if you’re feeling wise, and enjoy every spicy, savory bite.

Keep the Cajun Comfort Going (More Easy Dinners!)

• If you loved the bold, cozy vibes of this skillet, you’ll probably be obsessed with One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo—same Cajun energy, even creamier, and still weeknight-friendly.
• Want another “one-pan wonder” that’s hearty and family-approved? Try Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole for those days when you need dinner to basically cook itself.
• If orzo has officially won your heart (it does that!), bookmark Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies—it’s creamy, comforting, and feels a little fancy without the fuss.
• Craving that spicy-meets-crispy moment? Pair your next comfort meal with Cajun Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli for a fun, flavor-packed dinner switch-up.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—please leave a star rating (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and a quick review below! Your feedback helps other home cooks (and makes my day, truly).

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