Beef Dirty Rice
Why Make This Recipe
Beef Dirty Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that brings comfort to the table. With a mix of ground beef, rice, and spices, it offers a taste of Southern cuisine that’s easy to prepare. This recipe is versatile and can be a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s also a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your food!
How to Make Beef Dirty Rice
Ingredients:
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Chopped green onions for topping (optional)
Directions:
-
Warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Let it brown fully for about 5–7 minutes. If there’s too much fat, drain it off.
-
With the beef still in the pan, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Stir for 3–5 minutes until they are soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it smells good.
-
Mix 1.5 cups of uncooked rice into the pan with the meat and veggies. Stir well to coat everything and let it toast for a minute or two.
-
Sprinkle in smoked paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Stir it all together. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, crank up the heat, and bring it to a boil while stirring occasionally.
-
Turn the heat down low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes. Make sure to keep the lid closed. Once finished, take it off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
-
Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Top with chopped green onions if you like and enjoy it hot!
How to Serve Beef Dirty Rice
Serve Beef Dirty Rice warm right from the skillet. This dish pairs well with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad or cornbread. You can also serve it topped with extra green onions or hot sauce for some added flavor.
How to Store Beef Dirty Rice
To store leftover Beef Dirty Rice, allow it to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Tips to Make Beef Dirty Rice
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning.
- Make sure to use long-grain white rice for the best texture. It remains fluffy and separates well.
- For extra flavor, you can add some cooked sausage to the mix.
Variation
You can try making a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with black beans or lentils. Just follow the same steps but skip the meat!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but if using brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid.
Can I freeze Beef Dirty Rice?
Absolutely! You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I add to Beef Dirty Rice for extra veggies?
You can add diced carrots, peas, or even spinach for added nutrients and flavor. Just stir them in with the other vegetables.
Beef Dirty Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked) Use for best texture
- 3 cups chicken broth You can adjust based on preference
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green or red bell pepper, diced Any color can be used
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the beef
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped green onions for topping (optional) Add for extra flavor
Instructions
Cooking
- Warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Let it brown fully for about 5–7 minutes. If there's too much fat, drain it off.
- With the beef still in the pan, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Stir for 3–5 minutes until they are soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it smells good.
- Mix 1.5 cups of uncooked rice into the pan with the meat and veggies. Stir well to coat everything and let it toast for a minute or two.
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Stir it all together.
- Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, crank up the heat, and bring it to a boil while stirring occasionally.
- Turn the heat down low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes.
- Once finished, take it off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Top with chopped green onions if you like and enjoy it hot!
