Name: Quick and Tasty Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 small green bell pepper, diced; 1 small red bell pepper, diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 0.25 cup chicken broth or water; Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 green onions, sliced

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Introduction

Dirty rice is a flavorful Cajun-inspired dish that combines ground beef, spices, and vegetables with rice for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers bold taste with minimal effort.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with cooked white rice mixed with browned ground beef, small pieces of red bell pepper, and chopped green celery and parsley. The rice grains look fluffy and slightly shiny, while the beef is crumbly and well-cooked, showing a deep brown color. The red bell pepper pieces add bright spots of color, and the green vegetables provide a fresh contrast scattered evenly throughout the dish. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 cups cooked white rice
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
0.25 cup chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your vegetables by dicing the bell peppers, celery, onion, and mincing the garlic. If needed, cook the rice and allow it to cool.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring. Then break it up and continue cooking until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the diced onion, celery, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are soft, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 4: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper or hot sauce if using. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth or water. Stir to combine and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the rice is heated through.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the chopped fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 7: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve the dirty rice hot.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
Try using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
For extra depth, substitute chicken broth with beef broth or add a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Leftover cooked rice works best; fresh rice can be too moist and sticky.

Storage

Store leftover dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it feels dry.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up of cooked rice mixed with small browned ground beef pieces and finely chopped red bell peppers, spread evenly throughout. Sprinkled on top are fresh bright green chopped scallions and small bits of green herbs, adding a fresh color contrast. The mixture's texture is soft with some granular rice grains visible, and the ingredients are served in a simple white bowl that rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

What type of rice works best for dirty rice?

Long-grain white rice is traditional as it stays fluffy and separate, but you can also use brown rice if you prefer a nuttier flavor and chewier texture.