Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a classic Southern dish that brings together hearty flavors and a bit of spice. Known for its rich, savory taste and slightly “dirty” appearance from the finely ground beef and seasonings, this dish is a staple in Cajun and Creole cooking. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Dirty Rice is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Chop the vegetables: On a cutting board, finely chop the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic.

Cooking the Ground Beef and Vegetables

2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink.
4. Add the vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine.

Cooking the Rice

6. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the uncooked rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Combining Everything

7. Combine the rice and beef mixture: Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
8. Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a splash of hot sauce for extra spice.

Tips for the Perfect Dirty Rice

• Choosing the right ground beef: Opt for ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20) for the best flavor and texture.
• Adding authentic Cajun flavors: Use a good quality Cajun seasoning, and don’t be afraid to add extra spices like paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
• Ensuring perfectly cooked rice: Make sure to simmer the rice on low heat with the lid on to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef pairs wonderfully with:

• Cornbread or biscuits
• Collard greens or steamed green beans
• A fresh garden salad
• A cold beer or a glass of sweet tea

Storing and Reheating

• How to store leftovers: Place any leftover Dirty Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating tips: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian options: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra vegetables such as zucchini and mushrooms.
• Low-carb adaptations: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook and may require more liquid.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, mix in additional cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce.

What other proteins can I use?

You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sausage as an alternative to ground beef.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, Dirty Rice can be made a day ahead and reheated. The flavors will meld together even more, making it even tastier.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Dirty Rice will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Yield: 6

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Print

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a classic Southern dish that brings together hearty flavors and a bit of spice. Known for its rich, savory taste and slightly "dirty" appearance from the finely ground beef and seasonings, this dish is a staple in Cajun and Creole cooking. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Dirty Rice is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb 450g ground beef
• 1 cup white rice long grain or jasmine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook Rice:

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork.

Brown Ground Beef:

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Sauté Vegetables:

Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Season:

Season the mixture with paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Combine Rice:

Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the ground beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the seasoned mixture.

Adjust Seasoning:

Taste the dirty rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper according to your preference.

Serve:

Transfer the dirty rice with ground beef to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley.

Enjoy:

Serve the dirty rice hot as a flavorful main dish or side dish. Enjoy!