Rice, oh glorious rice! It’s the unsung hero of the kitchen, transforming every meal into a comforting experience. Now, when you pair that fluffy goodness with ground beef and a medley of spices, you create a dish that’s not just filling but downright delicious—enter dirty rice with ground beef. This dish will have your taste buds dancing and your stomach singing!
Picture this: You walk into your kitchen, and an enticing aroma fills the air, making you feel like you’re in a culinary wonderland. As the sizzle of ground beef meets the fragrant mix of onions, bell peppers, and spices, anticipation builds. Dirty rice isn’t just food; it’s nostalgia in a bowl, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners that leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Dirty rice with ground beef is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a satisfying meal
- Its warm colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Plus, this dish is versatile enough to adapt to whatever you have in your pantry!
I remember one particular Sunday when I made this dish for my family. The moment they took their first bite, there was complete silence—an indication that I had struck gold in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Long-Grain Rice: Use long-grain rice for its fluffy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty but not greasy.
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Onion: Fresh onions add sweetness and depth; opt for yellow or white varieties.
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Green Bell Pepper: A pop of color and crunch adds freshness; make sure it’s firm.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves pack a flavorful punch; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
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Cajun Seasoning: This blend brings heat and character; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
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Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water enhances the flavor profile significantly.
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Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a nice crunch as a garnish; chop them finely!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they’re soft and aromatic—about 5 minutes should do it.
Brown the Ground Beef: Push those veggies to one side and add ground beef to the pan. Break it apart with a spatula until browned evenly—around 7 minutes will get you there!
Add Garlic & Cajun Seasoning: Toss in minced garlic and your Cajun seasoning; stir well until fragrant—this will take about 1 minute and elevate all those savory notes.
Incorporate Rice & Broth: Stir in rinsed long-grain rice followed by chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low.
Simmer to Perfection: Cover your skillet tightly and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish with Green Onions: Once done, fluff the rice with a fork before garnishing with finely chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
With these simple steps, you’ve transformed basic ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table! Enjoy every last bite of this delicious dirty rice with ground beef masterpiece.
You Must Know
- Dirty rice with ground beef is a flavorful one-pot dish that brings comfort and joy
- The aroma of spices and sizzling meat fills the kitchen, making it irresistible
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef, then add vegetables and spices before incorporating rice. This sequence builds layers of flavor, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add bell peppers or mushrooms to jazz up the texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover dirty rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your dirty rice even more flavorful, consider using homemade stock instead of water when cooking rice
- For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce
- Letting the dish sit for a few minutes before serving enhances the flavors beautifully
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone dug in eagerly, asking for seconds.

FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in dirty rice with ground beef?
Yes, but adjust cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook properly.
How can I make dirty rice vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu for a hearty vegetarian version.
What can I serve with dirty rice?
Pair it with cornbread or a fresh salad to balance out the meal’s richness.
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Dirty rice with ground beef is a hearty, flavorful dish that blends the comforting essence of rice with seasoned ground beef and vibrant vegetables. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The warm, aromatic flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a splash of oil and sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Push the veggies to one side and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as needed (about 7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add rinsed rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg




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