Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is one of my favorite one-pot comfort meals — hearty, flavorful, and easy enough for a busy weeknight. This Southern-inspired dish combines seasoned beef, vegetables, and rice cooked together in rich Cajun spices for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is bold.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers deep, spicy, smoky flavor using simple pantry ingredients. It’s filling without being heavy, and everything cooks in a single skillet — no extra pans, no fuss. I make it often when I want something that feels homey but still packs a punch of Louisiana-style flavor. The rice absorbs all the beef juices and seasonings, creating that perfect “dirty” look and taste.

Ingredients

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

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 green or red bell pepper, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Brown the beef. I heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, I drain any excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté the vegetables. I add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the beef. I sauté for about 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Toast the rice. I stir in the uncooked rice, letting it cook for 1–2 minutes. This gives the rice a nutty flavor and helps it stay fluffy.

4. Add seasonings and broth. I sprinkle in the smoked paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Then I pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine everything.

5. Simmer until done. I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

6. Fluff and serve. I remove the skillet from heat, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings — perfect for a family meal or for leftovers the next day. The total time is around 35 minutes, including prep and cooking.

Variations

• I sometimes swap ground beef for sausage, turkey, or even chopped chicken for a lighter version.

• For extra spice, I add a dash of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce while simmering.

• To make it vegetarian, I replace the meat with black beans or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• For a heartier meal, I stir in a handful of cooked shrimp or andouille sausage before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it in a skillet or microwave until hot — this helps keep the rice from drying out. The flavors often get even better the next day!

FAQs

What makes “dirty rice” dirty?

The name comes from the rice’s appearance — it turns “dirty” in color as it’s cooked with browned meat, vegetables, and spices that tint the grains and infuse them with flavor.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but I increase the liquid slightly and extend the cooking time to about 35–40 minutes since brown rice takes longer to cook.

How can I make it spicier?

I add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper, or stir in a few drops of hot sauce before serving.

What kind of Cajun seasoning works best?

I like to use a store-bought blend like Tony Chachere’s or make my own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.

Can I freeze dirty rice?

Absolutely. I let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth.

Conclusion

This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is one of my go-to comfort meals — hearty, full of flavor, and simple enough for any night of the week. The Cajun spices, tender rice, and savory beef come together for a dish that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. I love how it tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect meal prep recipe for busy weeks.