Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef recipe — a Cajun classic that’s great as a main dish or hearty side.

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped (green is traditional)

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 ½ cups beef broth or chicken broth

• 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp thyme (dried)

• 1 bay leaf (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp oil or butter

• Optional garnish: green onions, parsley

🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook Vegetables:
   Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another minute.

2. Brown the Beef:
   Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add Seasoning & Rice:
   Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and rice. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.

4. Simmer:
   Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

5. Finish:
   Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot.

🔁 Optional Add-ins:

• Chicken livers or giblets (traditional but optional)

• A splash of hot sauce for more heat

• Sausage (andouille or smoked) for extra flavor