Simple & Savory Dirty Rice With Ground Beef Recipe

Louisiana’s beloved dirty rice with ground beef brings a hearty, spice-packed punch to your dinner table.

Cajun kitchens have perfected this rustic one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Robust flavors dance through each bite, telling stories of southern culinary traditions.

Ground beef creates a rich, savory base that mingles seamlessly with aromatic herbs and vegetables.

Fragrant rice absorbs every drop of delicious seasoning, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Crisp bell peppers and green onions add fresh brightness to the deep, complex profile.

You will absolutely adore how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

What Makes Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Special

• Boost Family Meal Enjoyment: Create a hearty, satisfying dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table with rich, bold flavors that appeal to all ages.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Master this one-pan wonder that requires minimal cooking skills, letting you prepare a delicious meal without complicated techniques or multiple kitchen tools.
• Packed with Robust Flavors: Combine Cajun-inspired seasonings with ground beef and aromatic vegetables to deliver a zesty, memorable meal that transforms basic ingredients into an exciting culinary experience.
• Versatile Weeknight Solution: Adapt this recipe easily by swapping ground beef with chicken or using different vegetables, making it a flexible dinner option for busy households craving something delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients Needed for Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that adds richness and protein to the dirty rice.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery, Garlic: A classic Cajun flavor combination that creates a deep and robust taste profile for the dish.

• Rice: The core ingredient that provides a filling and comforting texture to the meal.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the rice.

• Smoked Paprika, Dried Thyme, Cajun Seasoning, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that brings warmth, depth, and authentic Cajun character to the dirty rice.

• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright green color as a finishing touch.

• Olive Oil: Helps to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables with a subtle, smooth flavor.

How to Cook Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Step 1: Beef Breakdown

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Crumble the meat using a wooden spoon, ensuring it cooks evenly.

Drain any extra grease to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 2: Veggie Symphony

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Sliced celery
• Minced garlic

Sauté the colorful mix for 3-5 minutes until they release their aromatic magic and become wonderfully soft.

Step 3: Rice Awakening

Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring and dancing it around for 1-2 minutes. This toasting process unlocks deep, nutty flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 4: Spice Explosion

• Smoked paprika
• Dried thyme
• Cajun seasoning
• Black pepper

Pour in chicken broth and bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, creating a delicious aroma that fills the kitchen.

Step 5: Gentle Simmer

Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything mingle and cook for 18-20 minutes.

The rice will absorb all the incredible flavors while becoming perfectly tender.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Pull the skillet off the heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Shower with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and zesty finish. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Best Tips for Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

• Pat ground beef with paper towels after draining to remove extra moisture and prevent soggy rice.
• Stir rice constantly during toasting to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown color for enhanced nutty flavor.
• Modify Cajun seasoning quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and allow more flexibility in seasoning the final dish.
• Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and maintain slight crunch for better mouthfeel and nutritional value.

Flavor Variations for Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

• Spicy Southwest Rice: Replace Cajun seasoning with chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and mix in corn kernels for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Beef Rice: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, incorporate oregano and mint, top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley for a Mediterranean touch.
• Hearty Mushroom Rice: Include sliced mushrooms during vegetable sautéing, use beef broth instead of chicken broth, and stir in fresh thyme leaves for an earthy, rich variation.
• Asian-Inspired Rice Bowl: Season with soy sauce and ginger, add diced carrots, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and garnish with chopped green onions for an Asian-inspired meal.

What Pairs Well With Dirty Rice and Beef

• Pair Spicy Zinfandel Wine: Bold red wine complements the Cajun-style seasoning and rich ground beef, cutting through the dish's hearty flavors with its peppery undertones.
• Enhance with Crisp Cucumber Salad: Light, refreshing side dish balances the rich, spicy dirty rice, adding a cool crunch and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Match with Tangy Coleslaw: Creamy, acidic slaw provides a perfect counterpoint to the warm, savory rice, introducing a zesty texture and brightening the overall meal experience.
• Serve with Cold Mexican Lager: Crisp, light beer cuts through the dish's richness, offering a clean, refreshing contrast to the spicy and robust dirty rice flavors.

Storage Tips for Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Transfer cooled dirty rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Warm rice in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated completely, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What gives dirty rice its signature flavor?

The combination of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and herbs like thyme creates the distinctive, bold taste that makes dirty rice so delicious.

No, the name comes from the traditional method of using ground giblets or liver which darkens the rice, giving it a “dirty” appearance. Modern versions often use ground beef or sausage instead.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, add extra Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat level to your preference.

• What makes this a one-pot meal?

The recipe combines protein, rice, and vegetables in a single skillet, cooking everything together to create a complete and convenient meal with minimal cleanup.

Dirty Rice With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Louisiana-style dirty rice with ground beef delivers bold Creole flavors that dance across your palate. Southern comfort meets culinary excitement in this hearty one-pot meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Grains and Seasonings:

• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Ignite the ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, methodically fragmenting the meat while it caramelizes and releasing its rich flavors.
2. Introduce diced aromatics – onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic – allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence into the meat mixture for approximately 4 minutes.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice, gently toasting the grains to amplify their nutty undertones and enhance overall depth of flavor.
4. Lavish the mixture with robust seasonings: smoked paprika, dried thyme, Cajun spice blend, and cracked black pepper, stirring to distribute the complex flavor profile evenly.
5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, creating a liquid foundation that will transform the rice into a tender, succulent base. Elevate to a rolling boil momentarily.
6. Reduce temperature to low, seal the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the rice to gently simmer for 20 minutes, absorbing liquid and developing a perfectly tender texture.
7. Remove from heat, delicately fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, crisp finish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent greasy rice and ensure a clean, delicious texture.
• Toast rice carefully for enhanced nutty flavor, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier versions.
• Customize Cajun seasoning levels to control spice intensity for different heat preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 349 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg