If you’re craving a hearty, one-skillet meal with bold spices and layers of flavor, this Shrimp & Dirty Rice is calling your name. Made with juicy shrimp, ground beef, savory sausage, and fragrant herbs, this dish is a Southern staple that never fails to satisfy. It’s smoky, savory, and spicy (if you want it to be), all tossed with fluffy rice and cooked down into comfort food perfection.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is flavor on flavor on flavor. You’ve got the richness of ground beef, the spice of sausage, the freshness of shrimp, and a perfect Cajun base built on onions, peppers, garlic, and seasoning. Best of all, it’s a one-pan meal that feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Proteins & Base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 10–12 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, chopped
- 3 tsp minced garlic
Seasonings & Spices:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 tsp seafood seasoning
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup flour
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season & Cook the Shrimp
Season shrimp with seafood seasoning.
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
Remove and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil.
Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon.
Add onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened—about 5 minutes.
3. Add Seasonings & Flour
Stir in oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to incorporate—it thickens the base.
4. Simmer with Broth
Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened and bubbling.
5. Add the Rice
Stir in cooked rice. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
6. Finish with Shrimp
Fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet.
Toss gently, heat through, and serve hot with lemon wedges or hot sauce if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use long-grain white rice for best texture—it holds up well without becoming mushy.
- Drain meat if needed, but leave a bit of the fat to build flavor.
- Taste and adjust spices—Cajun and Creole dishes are highly customizable.
- Make it spicier with extra cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Start with Crockpot Nacho Dip and chips to keep the Southern party going.
- Serve with a chilled glass of Blueberry Lemonade.
- Add Dorito Casserole on the side for serious comfort vibes.
- For a casual night in, toss together Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
- Wrap up your meal with Copycat Neiman Marcus Cookies.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months—perfect for busy nights.
- Use leftovers in wraps, burritos, or even stuffed peppers.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- These Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies Are My Secret Weapon Dessert
Final Thoughts
Shrimp & Dirty Rice is a soul-warming, belly-filling dish that brings bold Southern flavors to your dinner table. It’s rich, hearty, and totally flexible—perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful dish to share with friends and family.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac with your skillet full of goodness—we’re always here for the spice and the sizzle.
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