Name: Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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I love making Dirty Rice with Ground Beef because it’s a flavorful, hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with savory spices. The combination of ground beef, rice, and seasonings creates a filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting. It’s a one-pot dish that’s full of flavor, and it’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how the spices in Dirty Rice give it that warm, Cajun-inspired flavor, while the ground beef makes it satisfying and hearty. The rice absorbs all the flavors from the seasonings and meat, making each bite a savory, delicious experience. It’s quick to make, and it can easily be customized with extra veggies or seasonings, making it a flexible and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, I heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- I add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. I drain any excess fat if necessary and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook the Veggies:
- To the same skillet, I add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. I cook the veggies for about 4-5 minutes, until they’re softened and fragrant.
Add the Rice and Seasonings:
- I stir in the rice and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb some of the flavors.
- Then, I add the paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and more salt and pepper to taste. I mix everything together.
Add the Broth and Simmer:
- I pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. I bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
- I let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender, and the liquid is absorbed. If the rice isn’t quite done and the liquid is absorbed, I can add a little more broth or water and cook it for a few extra minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once the rice is cooked, I fluff it with a fork, then sprinkle the chopped green onions on top (if using) for a burst of fresh flavor. I serve it hot, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4-6 people. Prep time is around 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal to prepare for the family or for meal prep.

Variations

I like to change it up by:

Adding cooked sausage or chicken for extra protein and flavor.
Mixing in some diced tomatoes for added sweetness and texture.
Stirring in a handful of chopped parsley for a fresh, herby finish.
Using brown rice instead of white rice for a heartier, more nutritious version (though it will require a longer cooking time).
Adding a splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tang and heat.

Storage / Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply microwave individual servings or heat it in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative to beef, and the flavor will still be delicious. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings as needed.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Dirty Rice keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It also freezes well if you want to make a larger batch for later.

3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add peas, carrots, or even spinach to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely and add them with the other vegetables to cook.

4. How can I make this spicier?
For extra heat, you can add more cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even some diced jalapeños to the dish. A drizzle of hot sauce on top before serving will also add a nice kick!

5. Can I use instant rice?
If you’re using instant rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio. Follow the instructions on the rice package, but keep the same flavor base with the beef broth and seasonings.

Conclusion

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a flavorful, one-pot dish that’s easy to make and full of savory goodness. The combination of rice, ground beef, and spices makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s customizable, comforting, and always a hit with family and friends!

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

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Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a flavorful, one-pot dish with savory spices, ground beef, and rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a hearty meal that’s customizable and comforting.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat, and season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Veggies: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Add the Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes to toast it slightly. Add paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Add more broth or water if necessary to finish cooking the rice.
Garnish and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and sprinkle with chopped green onions (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!