A Flavorful One-Pot Meal That Tells a Culinary Story
Dirty Rice is a beloved Southern dish that originated in Louisiana, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, deeply satisfying meal. This version with ground beef brings together robust flavors, creating a comforting and filling dinner that’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Metric Measurements
- 15ml olive oil
- 450g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g long-grain white rice
- 960ml chicken broth
- 5g Cajun seasoning
- 2g dried thyme
- 15g chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 50g chopped green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
- Vegetable Medley: Add diced onions and bell peppers to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.
- Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and dried thyme. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Rice and Broth: Add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with the beef and vegetable mixture. Pour in chicken broth.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat. Let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximately):
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4-6
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution
- Don’t skip browning the beef – it adds incredible depth of flavor
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper
- Use day-old rice for best texture if you have leftovers
- Drain excess fat from beef for a lighter version
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Alternatives:
- Replace beef with ground chicken or turkey
- Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version
- Rice Options:
- Substitute brown rice (adjust liquid and cooking time)
- Try cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative
- Vegetable Variations:
- Add celery for traditional Cajun-style dirty rice
- Include diced carrots for extra nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What makes rice “dirty”? A: The term comes from the brown color created by cooking rice with meat and spices, traditionally including chicken livers.
Q2: Can I make this dish spicy? A: Absolutely! Increase Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce to taste.
Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Check your Cajun seasoning, but most ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q4: How can I make this in a rice cooker? A: Brown beef and vegetables first, then transfer to rice cooker with remaining ingredients.
Q5: What side dishes pair well with Dirty Rice? A: Cornbread, collard greens, or a simple green salad complement this dish perfectly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Best served fresh, but maintains good flavor when reheated
Enjoy this comforting, flavor-packed Dirty Rice with Ground Beef – a true taste of Southern comfort!