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Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Rebecca
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a hearty, bold, and flavorful Cajun-inspired dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, rice, and vegetables, it comes together in one pot and is full of smoky, savory spices. Whether it's a family dinner or a side dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to please!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4
Calories 302 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 85/15 for flavor and richness
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper diced
  • 1 rib celery diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Chopped green onion or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat your large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Stir it occasionally for about 5 minutes, ensuring there’s no pink left. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. Draining excess fat here is optional, depending on the richness you prefer.
  • Using the same pan, toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Stir everything well and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and kosher salt. Allow the veggies to soften and release their aromatic flavors, which takes about 5 minutes. This step lays the foundation for the dish’s deep, bold taste.
  • Pour the uncooked white rice directly into the pan with the vegetables. Stir it a bit to coat the rice with the spices and juices in the pan. Follow this by adding the beef broth and the cooked ground beef back into the mix. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover your pan and cook for 20-23 minutes, letting the rice absorb all that flavorful broth until it’s tender.
  • Once cooked, take the pan off the heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes to rest. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Finally, sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top to add brightness and a pop of color before serving.

Notes

  • Protein Swap: Try using ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or plant-based crumbles for variety.
  • Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to increase nutrition and texture.
  • Amp Up the Heat: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to spice things up.
  • Diet-Friendly: Use gluten-free broth or cauliflower rice to make it suitable for specific diets.
Keyword Dirty Rice with Ground Beef