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Easy Dirty Rice Recipe

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4.4 from 11 reviews

This Easy Dirty Rice recipe is a flavorful one-pot dish combining ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and Cajun seasoning with tender long grain white rice simmered to perfection. Ideal for a comforting weeknight meal, it’s packed with savory spices and fresh herbs for a taste of classic Southern cuisine.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Oil

  • 1-2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil, divided)
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15)

Vegetables

  • 1 small white onion, finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 celery ribs, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

Grains and Liquids

  • 1 ¾ cups long grain white rice (thoroughly rinsed)
  • 3 ¾ cups beef broth (regular sodium)

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
  • Green onions, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a potato masher until it’s fully cooked and browned. Remove the meat from the pot with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté the veggies: Check the remaining grease in the pot; if less than 2 tablespoons remain, add more oil accordingly. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
  3. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water for 1-2 minutes until the water runs clear. Drain and let dry completely to prevent clumping.
  4. Add rice, broth, and seasoning: Stir the rinsed rice into the sautéed vegetables in the pot. Pour in the beef broth, then add Cajun seasoning, salt to taste, chopped fresh parsley, and the cooked ground beef back to the pot. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Cook the rice: Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer gently for 22-24 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
  6. Rest then serve: Remove the lid and let the rice sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to finish steaming. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or green onions if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Using a Dutch oven helps with even cooking and heat retention for the rice simmer.
  • Make sure to rinse and dry the rice well to avoid mushy texture.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning and salt to taste for your preferred level of spice and saltiness.
  • Leftover dirty rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a milder version, reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner meat alternative.
  • Fresh parsley adds brightness; add it just before serving to maintain color and flavor.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern, Cajun

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/easy-dirty-rice-recipe/