Discover a quick and delicious Cajun Dirty Rice with Ground Beef recipe, bursting with bold flavors from Cajun spices, vegetables, and savory beef. This one-pan dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, delivering authentic Southern comfort food in under 40 minutes. The “dirty” look comes from the rice absorbing the rich colors and flavors of the ingredients, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavor-Packed: Combines Cajun spices, beef, and fresh veggies for a hearty meal.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish or side for family dinners or gatherings.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps and common ingredients make it accessible for all cooks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups beef broth (or water, for cooking rice)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or butter)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions
- Cook the Rice
In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of beef broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rice, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender (follow package instructions). Fluff with a fork and set aside. - Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned. Drain excess fat if desired. - Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (if needed). Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Add Seasonings
Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release the spices’ aromas. - Combine Rice and Beef Mixture
Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat the rice with the seasonings and beef. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld. - Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped parsley (if using). Serve hot as a main dish or alongside your favorite Southern sides.
Tips for Success
- Adjust Spice Levels: Reduce or omit cayenne and Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor, or increase for extra heat.
- Make It Ahead: Store cooked dirty rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth.
- Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat crumbles or lentils and vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Cajun dirty rice with:
- Cornbread or dinner rolls
- Collard greens or green beans
- Fried okra or coleslaw for a Southern feast
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dirty rice?
Dirty rice is a classic Cajun and Creole dish from Louisiana, named for its “dirty” appearance from the rice absorbing the colors of beef, spices, and vegetables.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook (about 40-45 minutes). Adjust cooking time and liquid according to package instructions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your Cajun seasoning and broth are gluten-free. Always check labels.
