Easy Dirty Rice Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper thoroughly to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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