Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe
Olivia Brooks
A cozy Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe featuring fluffy rice, juicy ground beef, garlic, bell pepper, celery, and Cajun spices for bold flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 410 kcal
Large skillet or sauté pan
Medium pot for cooking rice
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons.
Mixing bowl (optional)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long‑grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Dirty Rice Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 green onions sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the grains stay fluffy.
In a medium pot, combine rice, chicken broth, butter, and salt. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
Let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes until tender. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it begins to brown, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
The beef should develop a deep golden color, which adds a lot of flavor to the final Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once the beef is mostly cooked, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet.
This trio of vegetables is often called the "holy trinity" in Cajun cooking. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you enjoy a little heat.
Add Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 cup chicken broth, then stir well to combine.
Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Combine Rice and Beef
Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the beef mixture. Gently stir until every grain of rice is coated with the savory seasoning.
Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes so the rice absorbs the flavorful juices.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Keyword Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe