Begin by rinsing 1 cup of long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.

Chop the Vegetables

Chop 1 medium onion, 1 medium green bell pepper, and 1 stalk of celery into small, even pieces. Mince 3 cloves of garlic.

Cooking

Cook the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef or pork. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Add Seasonings

Stir in 1 tbs of Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp of salt, 0.5 tsp of black pepper, and 2 whole bay leaves. Mix thoroughly to combine.

Combine Rice and Broth

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, followed by 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Fluff and Garnish

Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork, remove bay leaves, and serve hot. Garnish with sliced green onions and hot sauce if desired.