Dirty Rice Recipe

Dirty Rice is a classic Southern dish that brings together rice, ground meat, and a blend of bold seasonings. Traditionally made with chicken livers, this recipe can be adapted with ground beef, sausage, or chicken to suit your preferences. The “dirty” part of the name comes from the rich color the dish takes on as it cooks, thanks to the combination of meat, vegetables, and spices. Perfect for pairing with your favorite protein or served on its own, Dirty Rice is a deliciously comforting dish that’s both flavorful and filling.

Equipment:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Strainer (optional)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, sausage, or chicken (or a combination)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:
   In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat:
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet with the meat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Season the Dish:
   Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine and let the spices cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine Rice and Meat Mixture:
   Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is well coated with the seasonings and meat mixture. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Simmer:
   Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too dry. Cover the skillet and let the rice simmer on low heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
7. Serve:
   Remove the bay leaf, if used, and serve the Dirty Rice hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips:

• For an extra flavor boost, use cooked sausage or add a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use additional vegetables like mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based option.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Dirty Rice is a comforting, one-pan dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you serve it alongside your favorite main dish or enjoy it as a hearty meal on its own, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Dirty Rice Recipe

This Dirty Rice recipe features flavorful, seasoned rice mixed with ground meat, vegetables, and spices, creating a hearty, comforting dish perfect as a side or main course.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Strainer (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef sausage, or chicken (or a combination)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the Rice:
• In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Set aside.
• Prepare the Meat:
• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Sauté the Vegetables:
• Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet with the meat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
• Season the Dish:
• Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine and let the spices cook for another 1-2 minutes.
• Combine Rice and Meat Mixture:
• Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is well coated with the seasonings and meat mixture. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Simmer:
• Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too dry. Cover the skillet and let the rice simmer on low heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
• Serve:
• Remove the bay leaf, if used, and serve the Dirty Rice hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.