Dirty Rice with Ground Beef: A One-Pan Wonder Full of Southern Flavor
Dirty rice is one of those dishes that tastes like home—warm, savory, deeply seasoned, and endlessly satisfying. Traditionally made with chicken livers or giblets, this version takes a more family-friendly route using ground beef, but still delivers that iconic “dirty” flavor and hearty, slightly spicy kick.
Loaded with the Holy Trinity of Cajun cooking (onion, bell pepper, celery), and simmered in broth with bold seasonings, this Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is an easy, affordable one-pan meal perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or lazy weekends.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is everything I want in comfort food—simple to make, packed with flavor, and easy to customize. The rice absorbs all the savory beef drippings, spices, and broth, creating a richly seasoned base that’s as good leftover as it is fresh from the stove.
It also checks every box for busy cooks: one pot, pantry staples, and no fancy equipment required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2¼ cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Ground Meat Options: Substitute ground turkey, sausage, or pork if you like.
- Spice Level: Add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Broth Choice: Chicken broth gives a lighter flavor; beef broth is richer.
- Rice Tip: Rinse your rice until water runs clear to prevent gumminess.
How to Make Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
- Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. - Sauté the Veggies:
Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. - Add Garlic:
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. - Add Rice and Spices:
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the meat and veggies. Pour in the broth and season with paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. - Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. - Fluff and Garnish:
Fluff the rice with a fork. Top with green onions and chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use Long-Grain Rice: It holds up best and doesn’t get mushy.
- Keep It Covered: Don’t lift the lid while simmering—trapped steam is key.
- Let It Sit: After cooking, let the rice rest (covered) for 5 minutes before fluffing.
- Double Up: This recipe scales easily for leftovers or meal prep.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Dirty rice is a meal on its own, but you can turn it into a full Southern-style feast with these additions:
- Serve alongside Easy Turkey Wings for a classic soul-food combo.
- Pair it with Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a two-pot Cajun celebration.
- Add a shareable snack like Sheet Pan Quesadillas to stretch the meal.
- Sip on Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing contrast to the spice.
- Finish with Old-School No-Bake Cookies for a sweet, nostalgic treat.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled rice in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Keep the comfort food train going with these reader favorites:
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies
Final Thoughts
This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is the kind of dish that feeds both your belly and your soul. It’s rustic, rich, and packed with flavor—and the best part? It all comes together in one pan with minimal fuss.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to tag @chefmaniac if you share your plate! Follow us for more hearty dinners, down-home flavors, and easy recipes that make cooking feel like a celebration.
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