Easy Dirty Rice Recipe

Introduction

Easy Dirty Rice is a flavorful Cajun-inspired dish packed with savory ground beef, Italian sausage, and a mix of fresh vegetables. This one-pot meal is simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (370 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 4 cups (32 ounces / 960 g) beef broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the meat. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Step 3: Mix in the Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour in the uncooked rice and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño to the vegetables.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
• Try adding chopped green onions on top for added freshness and crunch.

Storage

Store leftover dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make dirty rice without sausage?

Yes, you can omit the Italian sausage and use all ground beef or another ground meat of your choice. Just adjust the seasoning to maintain the flavor balance.

Is dirty rice gluten-free?

Traditional dirty rice is naturally gluten-free, but always check your Cajun seasoning and broth labels to ensure they do not contain gluten additives.

Easy Dirty Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

This Easy Dirty Rice recipe is a flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices cooked with long-grain white rice in beef broth. Perfect as a comforting, hearty meal that brings a taste of Southern soul food to your table with simple steps and accessible ingredients.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound mild Italian sausage

Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups (370 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 4 cups (32 ounces / 960 g) beef broth

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the meat: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until cooked through and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add diced onions, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook the mixture until the vegetables are softened, approximately 4-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper thoroughly to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with flavor.
4. Add rice and broth: Incorporate the uncooked long-grain white rice and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
6. Rest and fluff: Remove the pot from heat and allow the rice to rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, uncover and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving the dish hot.

Notes

• Use mild Italian sausage for a balanced flavor, or opt for spicy sausage to add heat.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the beef broth and Cajun seasoning are certified gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
• For additional depth, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or diced tomatoes.

Keywords: Dirty rice, Cajun rice, ground beef rice, Italian sausage recipe, Cajun seasoning, easy dinner, one-pot meal