This dirty rice with ground beef is a flavorful, one-pot dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with Southern comfort. With seasoned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s hearty enough for a weeknight meal but delicious enough to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor in a single dish.
- Classic comfort food: A rich and savory taste inspired by traditional Southern cuisine.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spices or add protein like sausage or chicken livers for a twist.
- Great for meal prep: Reheats beautifully and makes for a satisfying leftover meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white rice (long grain or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Rice: Stir in the thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and uncooked rice. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice and enhance the flavors.
- Simmer: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the green onions and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy hot as a standalone meal or alongside your favorite side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add sausage: Substitute or mix in andouille sausage or smoked sausage for a smoky flavor.
- Include chicken livers: For a more authentic dirty rice, finely chop chicken livers and sauté them with the ground beef.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or use mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Brown rice: Use brown rice instead of white rice for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness, or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. What is dirty rice?
Dirty rice is a Cajun-inspired dish made with white rice cooked with ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and bold seasonings. The name comes from the “dirty” appearance the rice takes on from the browned meat and spices.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground pork, turkey, sausage, or even a mix of meats like beef and chicken livers for a more traditional taste.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, dirty rice can be made ahead and reheated. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
4. Can I use instant rice?
Instant rice can work in a pinch, but the texture and flavor may not be as rich. Adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
5. Is dirty rice spicy?
It can be! Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne.
6. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced tomatoes, corn, or okra are great additions to this dish.
7. Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Yes, but chicken broth adds more flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
8. What’s the best rice for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best for fluffy and flavorful results. Avoid short-grain rice, which tends to be stickier.
9. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet?
Make sure to stir occasionally and use enough oil to coat the rice. A non-stick skillet or Dutch oven also helps.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pot to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
This dirty rice with ground beef is a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Packed with bold seasonings, hearty protein, and aromatic vegetables, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your tastes. Serve it up hot and watch it become a new favorite!
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Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with seasoned beef, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. A classic Southern comfort food, it’s an easy weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve for guests.
Ingredients
- Meat:
- 2 lb ground beef
- Produce:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Canned Goods:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Baking & Spices:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grains:
- 1 cup white rice (long grain or jasmine)
- Oils & Vinegars:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, cook the white rice according to the package instructions using chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the Mixture:
- Stir in the dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Combine with Rice:
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and stir well to combine. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley. Serve hot as a main dish or alongside other Southern-inspired dishes.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, substitute the ground beef with a mix of ground pork or sausage.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to refresh the flavors.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Southern