Loaded Dirty Rice
why make this recipe
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Louisiana right into your kitchen. It’s a one-pot meal that combines protein, veggies, and rice, creating a filling dinner option. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, you’ll want to make this dish over and over again. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples while providing a delicious meal for your family or friends.
how to make Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Remove any excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the seasoning mix.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
how to serve Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Serve Dirty Rice with Ground Beef hot, straight from the skillet. It makes a great main dish on its own. You can pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread if you like. The dish is also perfect for gatherings, as it can easily serve a crowd.
how to store Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
To store leftover Dirty Rice, let it cool down to room temperature first. Then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly when you are ready to enjoy it again.
tips to make Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat in the dish.
- For extra flavor, try adding diced celery or carrots when you cook the veggies.
- If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding cooked sausage for extra protein or incorporating other vegetables like peas or corn. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice may require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the chicken broth accordingly if you decide to use brown rice.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dirty rice in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just follow the storage instructions to keep it fresh.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes, many kids enjoy the flavors in Dirty Rice. You can adjust the spices to make it milder if needed.

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines ground beef, rice, and vegetables, reminiscent of Louisiana cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the seasoning mix.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Use lean ground beef to reduce fat. For extra flavor, add diced celery or carrots. Adjust spices to taste for a milder or spicier dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Dirty Rice, Ground Beef, Louisiana Cuisine, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food