Name: Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1 green or red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon thyme; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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Introduction

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a flavorful, comforting dish with a blend of spices and tender meat that makes it a Southern classic. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

A mound of fried rice sits in the center of a white plate, layered with long white rice grains mixed with small pieces of green, red, and yellow bell peppers. Scattered throughout the rice are small bits of browned minced meat, adding texture and color contrast. On top, larger cubes of bright orange peppers form a colorful crown, garnished with fresh green parsley leaves. The dish is set against a white marbled surface with some scattered vegetables around the plate edges, emphasizing the vibrant colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 green or red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
Step 4: Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the seasoning mix.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños while cooking the vegetables.
Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
For added depth, cook the rice separately and stir it in at the end to avoid any sticking or burning.

Storage

Store leftover dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a mixture of cooked rice, small browned ground meat pieces, and diced vegetables including red, yellow, and green peppers, all mixed together with fresh green herb pieces sprinkled on top, sitting on a white marbled surface. The rice grains are fluffy and lightly coated with seasoning, giving a warm brownish color, while the vegetables add small pops of bright color throughout the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make dirty rice without ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for different flavors and dietary preferences.

Is dirty rice supposed to be spicy?

Dirty rice traditionally has a mild to moderate spice level, but you can easily adjust the heat by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding additional hot spices like cayenne pepper.