. Dirty Rice with Ground Beef – esrecipes

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

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Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Growing up in Louisiana, the aroma of Dirty Rice simmering on the stove meant family was coming over. My grandmother would stand at her cast-iron skillet, carefully browning ground beef and chicken livers, the secret ingredients that give this iconic dish its distinctive “dirty” appearance and rich flavor. Dirty Rice with Ground Beef isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of Cajun heritage, a humble yet satisfying dish that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Every time I make Dirty Rice with Ground Beef in my own kitchen now, I’m transported back to those warm Southern evenings, screen door slamming as cousins ran in and out, everyone gathering around a table laden with food that spoke of tradition and love. This recipe honors those memories while making a few modern adjustments that make it accessible for everyday cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe

This Dirty Rice recipe strikes the perfect balance between authentic flavor and practical preparation. Unlike traditional versions that rely heavily on chicken livers (which can be intimidating for some), this recipe uses a combination of ground beef and just enough liver to maintain that authentic taste without overwhelming those new to Cajun cuisine.

What makes this recipe special:

  • One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in a single large skillet, minimizing cleanup
  • Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that deliver maximum flavor
  • Flexible: Easy to adjust spice levels for different palates
  • Make-ahead friendly: Actually tastes better the next day
  • Complete meal: Protein, vegetables, and rice all in one dish

The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables (the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: bell pepper, onion, and celery), and perfectly seasoned rice creates a dish that’s hearty enough to serve as a main course yet versatile enough to work as a spectacular side.

Ingredients for Perfect Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

For the Rice Base:

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf

For the Meat Mixture:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
  • 1/4 pound chicken livers, finely chopped (optional, but recommended for authentic flavor)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon drippings
  • 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt to taste

For Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Hot sauce (for serving)

How to Make Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
  3. Add the rice and bay leaf, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  5. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

  1. Heat oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. If using chicken livers, add them first and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to brown.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes).
  4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a bowl, leaving the fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet with the remaining fat, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery (the Cajun “holy trinity”).
  2. Cook over medium heat until vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Season and Combine

  1. Return the meat mixture to the skillet with the vegetables.
  2. Add Cajun seasoning, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Combine with Rice and Finish

  1. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, removing the bay leaf.
  2. Gently fold everything together until well combined and the rice takes on a “dirty” appearance from the meat and seasonings.
  3. Cook on low heat for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend completely.
  4. Stir in half of the green onions.
  5. Garnish with remaining green onions and fresh parsley before serving.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Pro Tips for the Best Dirty Rice

  • Don’t skip the chicken livers: Even if you’re hesitant, they provide the authentic flavor. Finely mince them so they blend in—many people who “don’t like liver” never even notice them!
  • Toast the rice: For extra flavor, toast the rice in a dry skillet before cooking.
  • Make your own Cajun seasoning: Combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  • Let it rest: Like many rice dishes, Dirty Rice benefits from a 10-minute rest after cooking, allowing flavors to further develop.

Delicious Variations

  • Protein swaps: Use ground pork, turkey, or a combination instead of beef.
  • Seafood fusion: Add 1/2 pound of small peeled shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Vegetable boost: Mix in 1 cup of frozen peas or corn when combining rice with the meat mixture.
  • Creole-style: Add 1 can of diced tomatoes and reduce broth by 1/2 cup for a red Creole version.
  • Extra spicy: Double the cayenne pepper and add diced jalapeños with the bell pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef works beautifully as:

  • A stand-alone main dish with a simple green salad
  • The perfect side for fried chicken or pork chops
  • A stuffing for bell peppers or large portobello mushrooms
  • The base for a rice bowl topped with fried eggs and hot sauce

Nutritional Information

Per serving (recipe makes 6-8 servings):

  • Calories: Approximately 350-400
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 580mg (varies based on Cajun seasoning used)

From My Kitchen to Yours

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is more than just a flavorful dish—it’s a testament to how humble ingredients can transform into something extraordinary with the right technique and seasonings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; make it your own by adjusting the heat level or experimenting with different proteins.

What I love most about sharing this recipe is knowing that Cajun cooking—with its bold flavors and comforting qualities—will find its way into new homes and possibly become a tradition for other families. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as part of a celebratory feast, this Dirty Rice with Ground Beef carries with it the spirit of Southern hospitality.

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