Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a flavorful and hearty dish inspired by Cajun cuisine. It’s easy to prepare and combines savory spices with tender vegetables and beef for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice thoroughly and cook it in the beef broth according to the package directions. Once cooked, set the rice aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
5. Step 5: Season the beef and vegetables with Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir thoroughly to blend it with the meat and vegetables.
7. Step 7: Cook the mixture for another 5–7 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the dish.
• Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber, adjusting cooking time as needed.
• Add diced tomatoes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, while long grain white rice cooks fastest and keeps the dish light, you can use brown rice or jasmine rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking liquid and time according to the type of rice.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and lentils for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 95 reviews

A classic Louisiana-inspired Dirty Rice recipe featuring ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and bold Cajun spices, cooked together with fluffy long grain white rice for a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Louisiana Creole

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Broth

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups beef broth

Grains

• 1 cup long grain white rice

Vegetables

• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Oils

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: Rinse the long grain white rice thoroughly under cold water. Cook the rice in 2 cups of beef broth according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for 5–6 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic releases its aroma.
4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
5. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
6. Combine Rice and Meat Mixture: Add the cooked rice into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
7. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through evenly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce while cooking the beef.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Dirty Rice, Ground Beef, Cajun Rice, Louisiana Recipe, Cajun Seasoning, One-Pan Meal