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.