Dirty rice with ground beef is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal packed with Cajun spices and tender beef. It’s a quick, budget-friendly dish that brings bold Southern flavors to the table, making it perfect for any meal.
Key Benefits of dirty rice with ground beef
Perfect for Meal Prep – The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Bold Cajun Flavor – This dirty rice with ground beef is packed with rich, smoky, and savory spices that bring an authentic Southern taste to your table.
One-Pot Convenience – Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup quick and easy.
Budget-Friendly & Filling – Made with simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and vegetables, this dish is hearty enough to feed a crowd.
Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to your liking by controlling the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.
Ingredients for dirty rice with ground beef
Ground Beef – Ground beef is the main protein, adding richness and flavor. For the best texture, use beef with 80/20 fat content, though leaner beef can also be used.
Long-Grain White Rice – Long-grain white rice works best in this dish for its fluffy, separate texture. Avoid sticky or short-grain rice.
Onion – Diced onion adds sweetness and depth, cooking alongside the other vegetables to soften and enhance the flavor.
Bell Pepper – Diced bell pepper provides color and a sweet, earthy flavor that balances the dish.
Celery – Celery adds a crunchy texture and a slight peppery flavor, complementing the richness of the beef.
Garlic – Enhances flavor with its aromatic warmth.
Chicken Broth – Chicken broth is used to cook the rice, enriching the dish with flavor. Beef broth can be substituted for a stronger taste.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami and tang.
Cajun Seasoning – Provides bold, smoky, and spicy flavor. Adjust to taste.
Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional) – Adds heat; adjust based on preference.
Green Onions – Used as a garnish for a fresh, sharp flavor.
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
Sauté the Vegetables – Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season the Mixture – Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
Add the Rice and Broth – Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to combine. Add the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, mixing everything together.
Simmer Until Tender – Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and Garnish – Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the sliced green onions.
Serve and Enjoy – Dish up the dirty rice while it’s warm and enjoy its bold, savory flavors!
Pro Tips
Brown the Beef Well – For extra depth of flavor, make sure the ground beef gets a nice brown color before adding the vegetables. This caramelizes the meat, creating a rich, savory base for the dish.
Season to Taste – Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less cayenne pepper and adjust as needed. You can always add more later!
Use Long-Grain Rice – Long-grain white rice works best here, as it stays fluffy and separates easily. Avoid using short-grain rice or sticky rice, which can become too clumpy.
Let the Rice Rest – After cooking, let the rice sit with the lid on for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld and ensures the rice is perfectly tender.
Add Protein Variety – Feel free to switch things up by adding sausage or chicken along with the ground beef for a heartier, more protein-packed dish.
Double the Recipe – This dish makes fantastic leftovers! It can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd or saved for meal prep throughout the week.
Variations
Add Sausage – For a heartier dish, add some smoked sausage or Andouille sausage along with the ground beef. This will bring even more bold flavor and make it extra filling.
Make It Spicy – If you love heat, bump up the cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño with the vegetables. The spiciness will balance beautifully with the rich beef and rice.
Swap the Protein – Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even pork if you’re looking for a leaner option. The dish will still be flavorful but with a lighter twist.
Vegetarian Version – For a meatless option, replace the ground beef with a mix of beans (like black beans or kidney beans) and some extra vegetables for texture. This makes for a great vegetarian or plant-based dish!
Serving Suggestions for dirty rice with ground beef
Pair with a Simple Salad – Serve your dirty rice with ground beef alongside a fresh, crisp salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the dish.
Serve with Cornbread – Cornbread is a classic side dish that complements the savory, spicy flavors of dirty rice. The slight sweetness of cornbread pairs perfectly with the heat from the Cajun seasoning.
Add a Cool Topping – For a refreshing contrast, top your rice with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. The creaminess will mellow the spice, making each bite even more satisfying.
Pair with Roasted Vegetables – Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts add a smoky, slightly sweet note that balances the dish’s savory flavors.
Enjoy with Hot Sauce – For those who love extra spice, keep a bottle of your favorite hot sauce on hand. A few dashes can elevate the heat and flavor, taking this dish to the next level.
FAQs about dirty rice with ground beef
How can I thicken my dirty rice with ground beef?
If you find that the rice is too wet or soupy, simply uncover the dish during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking. This will allow the liquid to evaporate, thickening the mixture. You can also stir in a bit more rice and let it absorb the excess moisture.
What cut of beef is best for dirty rice?
Ground beef is typically used for dirty rice as it’s easy to cook and absorbs the spices well. If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative. For a richer flavor, opt for ground beef with a higher fat content.
Can I make dirty rice with ground beef ahead of time?
Absolutely! Dirty rice with ground beef is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
Is dirty rice with ground beef spicy?
Dirty rice can be as spicy as you like! The Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper add heat, but you can adjust the spice level by using less of these ingredients or leaving out the cayenne pepper altogether for a milder version.
dirty rice with ground beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef – Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables – Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Season the Mixture – Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables.
- Add the Rice and Broth – Add uncooked rice, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Until Tender – Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Garnish – Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in green onions.
- Serve and Enjoy – Serve warm and enjoy the bold flavors!