Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Description

Dirty Rice is a classic Cajun-inspired dish that gets its name from the “dirty” appearance created when cooked rice is mixed with browned ground beef, onions, peppers, and Cajun seasonings. It’s savory, hearty, and a complete meal in one pot. Traditionally, dirty rice includes chicken livers for deep flavor, but this version uses ground beef for a simpler, more accessible approach without sacrificing richness.

Ingredients for Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)

• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt (adjust if broth is salty)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the beef – In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté the vegetables – Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the beef. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.

3. Season – Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let spices toast for 1 minute.

4. Add rice & broth – Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it in the seasonings. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.

5. Simmer – Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

6. Fluff & garnish – Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and top with green onions and parsley before serving.

Notes

• Traditional dirty rice often includes chicken liver for authenticity—feel free to add ½ cup finely chopped liver when browning the beef.

• If you prefer more heat, add cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños.

• Can be made with leftover cooked rice—just reduce broth and cooking time.

Tips

• Use day-old rice if you want a less sticky texture.

• Try mixing ground beef with ground pork or sausage for extra flavor.

• Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow steam to finish the cooking process evenly.

• For a one-pan dinner, add cooked shrimp or diced chicken at the end.

Servings

• Serves: 4–6

• Serving size: About 1 ½ cups cooked

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~380

• Protein: 20g

• Fat: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 44g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 3g

• Sodium: ~850mg

Benefits

• High protein from ground beef helps with muscle repair.

• Complex carbs from rice provide steady energy.

• Vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

• Easy to make in one pot for minimal cleanup.

• Versatile — can be customized with different meats or spice levels.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add more Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.

Q: Can I freeze dirty rice?
A: Yes, cool completely, store in freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge and reheat.