Description
A flavorful and comforting one-pot Dirty Rice recipe featuring ground beef, aromatic Cajun spices, and tender vegetables cooked with fluffy long-grain white rice. This hearty Cajun-inspired dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, easy to customize, and delicious as leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (green or red)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Fats
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Seasonings
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the bell peppers, onion, celery, and garlic. These aromatics form the flavorful base and will soften to release their sweetness when sautéed.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it is browned and no longer pink, locking in juicy, savory flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Push the cooked beef to one side of the pan. Add the chopped vegetables to the center and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spices and Rice: Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, allowing the spices to toast briefly. Then add the uncooked rice, mixing thoroughly to coat each grain with the flavorful mixture.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
- Fluff and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains and enhance texture.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and fat balance.
- Don’t skip browning the beef for deeper flavor layers.
- Adjust salt and seasoning gradually, tasting as you go.
- Fresh vegetables ensure brightness and texture.
- Allowing the rice to rest after cooking improves texture and flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Dirty Rice, Ground Beef, Cajun Rice, One-Pot Meal, Southern Comfort Food, Spicy Rice