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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Side Dish / Dirty Rice

    Dirty Rice

    Published: Mar 21, 2021 by Anna 6 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This Dirty Rice is made in one pot, without liver but with ground beef, onions, peppers, celery, rice and Cajun seasoning. Simple yet delicious, this dish is perfect when you are craving southern comfort food!

    Dirty rice in a white bowl.

    If you had dirty rice once in your life, you know how tasty this dish is. Made with simple ingredients and seasoning, it's pure comfort food. You can make it in the morning and enjoy it for days. Traditionally, dirty rice is made with sausage and chicken livers, but I prefer this easy version with ground beef. I also use my Cajun seasoning made with pantry staples. No need for a store-bought mix!

    Ingredients:

    • rice
    • ground beef
    • olive oil
    • onion
    • garlic
    • green bell pepper
    • celery
    • rice
    • Cajun seasoning
    • vegetable broth or stock
    Ingredients for dirty rice on a board.

    How to make Dirty Rice from scratch?

    • Start by chopping onion, pepper and celery.
    • Heat up oil in a skillet.
    • Add beef and cook until no longer pink. I like to cook it until well browned and you can see browned bits at the bottom of the pan. It adds flavor to the dish.
    • Add veggies and stir in together. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
    Ground beef and veggies in a pan.
    • Add rice, seasoning and stir well. Cook for 1 minute.
    • Add stock and stir well.
    • Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring once in a while. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
    Rice and broth added to beef.

    Why is it called Dirty Rice?

    The dish appears dirty from the meat (traditionally chicken liver) and seasoning.

    Can I make a vegetarian version?

    To replace the meat with a vegetarian option, I recommend mushrooms. They will add the umami flavor. If you need to add protein, go for beans. Red or black will be fantastic!

    Can I make it ahead of time?

    Absolutely! This dish reheats very well so it can be made up to 4 days in advance. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet. You may need to add a little bit of stock or water while heating up.

    Storing leftovers:

    I recommend storing leftovers in a container with lid, in the fridge, for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    Dirty rice in a pan.

    More side dish recipes:

    • Rice Pilaf
    • Black Beans and Rice
    • Creamed Corn
    • Best Corn Fritters

    For more recipes like this one, feel free to browse our Side Dish category.

    If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment!

    Dirty rice in a white bowl.

    Simple Dirty Rice

    Author: Anna
    This Dirty Rice is made in one pot, without liver but with ground beef, onions, peppers, celery, rice and Cajun seasoning. Simple yet delicious, this dish is perfect when you are craving southern comfort food!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 610 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
    • 4 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
    • 2 celery ribs chopped
    • 1 ½ cups rice
    • 2 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
    • 3 ¼ cups vegetable broth or stock

    Instructions
     

    • In a large deep skillet, heat up oil over medium heat.
    • Add beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. I like to cook it until well browned and you can see browned bits at the bottom of the pan. It adds flavor to the dish.
    • Add onion, garlic, pepper and celery and stir in together. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
    • Add rice, seasoning and stir well. Cook for 1 minute.
    • Add stock and stir everything well.
    • Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring once in a while. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

    Notes

    • To replace the meat with a vegetarian option, I recommend mushrooms. They will add the umami flavor. If you need to add protein, go for beans. Red or black will be fantastic!
    • I recommend storing leftovers in a container with lid, in the fridge, for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
    • Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 610kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 863mg | Potassium: 571mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1223IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Shelby Forester says

      March 22, 2021 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      I just finished making this and I am in love with these flavors. I also love that it only needs one pot!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        March 24, 2021 at 10:57 am

        Awesome! Thank you so much, Shelby!

        Reply
    2. Allyson Zea says

      March 22, 2021 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      This rice was so flavorful and easy to make! thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        March 24, 2021 at 10:57 am

        Thank you, Allyson!

        Reply
    3. Betsy says

      March 22, 2021 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      I'm not usually a fan of dirty rice, but I LOVED this one. My husband loved it even more. No leftovers for the next day! Definitely have to make this again!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        March 24, 2021 at 10:58 am

        Fantastic! I am so glad it was a hit! Thanks, Betsy!

        Reply

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    Crunchy Creamy Sweet Anna

    Hi, I'm Anna! Thank you for stopping by! Here you will find easy and delicious recipes for busy people. My recipes are made with everyday ingredients and all of them are family approved!

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