Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a hearty, flavorful dish rooted in Southern comfort food traditions. It combines ground beef, white rice, aromatic vegetables, and bold spices to create a rich and satisfying one-pot meal. The "dirty" look comes from the browned meat and seasonings that tint the rice, giving it both its name and signature savory taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and quick this recipe is to prepare, yet it delivers deep, comforting flavors. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or even as a side dish at gatherings. I only need one pot, and it’s a complete meal that’s both budget-friendly and filling. Plus, it's easy to customize based on what I have on hand.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- White rice
- Onion
- Green bell pepper
- Celery
- Garlic
- Beef broth
- Cajun seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
Directions
- I start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Next, I stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. I sauté them until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- I add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- I stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it’s coated with the oil and meat mixture.
- I pour in the beef broth and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- I fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4–6 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, so I have it on the table in about 40 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes switch things up by using ground turkey or sausage instead of beef. For extra richness, I add chopped chicken livers—just like the traditional Louisiana version. If I want more heat, I toss in a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños. And for a veggie-packed version, I mix in some frozen peas or chopped spinach at the end.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. It also reheats well in the microwave—just make sure to cover it to retain moisture.
FAQs
What makes dirty rice "dirty"?
The dish gets its name from the browned bits of meat and seasoning that give the rice a dark, “dirty” appearance. It’s a traditional Louisiana recipe originally made with chicken livers and gizzards.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but I adjust the cooking time and liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook. I also make sure to check the rice toward the end so it doesn’t overcook or dry out.
Is this dish spicy?
That depends on the Cajun seasoning I use. Some blends are spicier than others. I always taste and adjust the heat to my preference.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. I substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or extra veggies and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I freeze dirty rice?
Yes, I let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. It lasts up to 3 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is one of those recipes I keep coming back to—it’s flavorful, filling, and flexible enough to suit any mood or pantry. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding a crowd, it never disappoints.
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
Description
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a classic Southern one-pot recipe packed with bold Cajun flavor. Made with ground beef, white rice, and aromatic vegetables, this easy weeknight meal is hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in onion, bell pepper, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in uncooked rice and coat it with the mixture.
- Pour in beef broth; add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender.
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- For traditional flavor, try adding ¼ cup finely chopped chicken livers.
- For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- Easily swap ground beef for turkey, sausage, or a plant-based alternative.
- Add frozen peas or spinach at the end for extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; freezes well for up to 3 months.
