Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dirty Rice is a one-pot dish that combines savory beef, aromatic vegetables, and Cajun seasoning. It’s easy, flavorful, and packed with Southern comfort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
- Brown the Beef: Heat oil, add beef, and cook until browned. Drain fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; sauté for 3-5 minutes.
- Toast the Rice: Add uncooked rice, cook for 1-2 minutes to toast.
- Add Seasonings & Broth: Stir in paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Fluff & Serve: Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with green onions.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Use sausage, chicken, or turkey instead of beef.
- Add extra cayenne or Cajun seasoning for more heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Dirty Rice can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.
3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to beef.
4. What if I don't have Cajun seasoning?
You can use a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper as a substitute.
5. Can I freeze Dirty Rice?
Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
6. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can add carrots, peas, or mushrooms to increase the veggie content.
7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then cook everything on low for 4-6 hours in a slow cooker.
8. Can I make Dirty Rice without meat?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using additional veggies or plant-based protein.
9. How do I make Dirty Rice spicier?
Add more Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or even chopped fresh chilies.
10. Can I use another type of rice?
Yes, but make sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time for other rice types.
Conclusion
This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef recipe is easy, hearty, and full of bold Southern flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner, it's versatile and can be customized to your taste.
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a classic Southern dish loaded with bold flavors, tender rice, and seasoned beef. This one-pot meal is easy to make, packed with Cajun spices, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly.
- Add Seasonings & Broth: Sprinkle in paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff & Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage as a substitute for beef.
- Brown rice can be used but will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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