Easy Dirty Rice recipe for the classic Southern favorite! Savory hearty rice filled with ground beef, sausage, veggies, and Cajun flavor!
The savory, bold flavor and heartiness of classic Louisiana recipes like Jambalaya and this Cajun rice are why they have stayed Dinner staples no matter where you go in the South.
Table of Contents
- Sabrina’s Dirty Rice Recipe
- Ingredients
- Kitchen Tools & Equipment
- How to Make
- Recipe Card
- Chef’s Note: Difference Between Dirty Rice and Jambalaya
- Can this be made ahead of time?
- Nutritional Facts
- Recipe Tips & Tricks
- What to Pair With Dirty Rice
- How to Store
- Ideas to Serve Dirty Rice
- Alternative Cooking Techniques
- Frequent Questions
- Related Recipes
- Variations
Sabrina’s Dirty Rice Recipe
Dirty Rice is perhaps one of the most well-known and popular dishes from the American South. It is considered not only a staple dish of southern cuisine, but representative of true Louisiana-style Cajun and Creole culture. No need to plan a trip down south if you are craving this classic though, you can easily recreate it at home!
This dish gets its name from the appearance of the grains of rice, which are speckled with bits of vegetables, meat, and spices, giving it a “dirty” look. The beef broth, ground beef, and pork sausage turn the white rice slightly “dirty” brown while infusing it with a savory, rich meatiness. The addition of garlic, bell peppers, and onions adds depth and aromatic flavor to the dish, while the Cajun seasoning gives it a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Long Grain Rice: Long grain rice has a higher ratio of grain length to width which results in a fluffier texture, preventing it from becoming mushy when added to the meaty gravy.
- 4 Cups Beef Broth: Beef broth is used to cook the rice giving it a rich, deep flavor. Use a high-quality broth for the best flavor.
- 1 Pound Ground Beef: The ground beef provides the primary source of protein in the dish to make it hearty enough for a main dish. Choose 85/15 for the right amount of fat and protein.
- ½ Pork Sausage: Ground sausage is added to provide an extra layer of meaty and fatty richness, along with the seasonings that aren’t in regular ground pork.
- Peppers & Onions: ½ yellow onion and ½ green bell pepper are used as the base of the gravy, and are part of the Cajun “Holy Trinity” of cooking. The final component is celery which isn’t in this recipe, but you can add it if you want.
- Seasoning: Cajun seasoning is a peppery blend of spices typically used in Cajun cuisine, including paprika, cayenne pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. You can find Cajun seasoning in most grocery stores. Add 3 cloves of garlic to the mix for a wonderful blend of savory, slightly spicy flavor.
Kitchen Tools & Equipment
- Strainer: A strainer will be important to rinse your rice. Make sure it is a fine mesh strainer so that the rice will not fall through.
- Large Pot: Use a large pot or dutch oven to boil the rice, and it will need to be large enough to hold the remaining ingredients in the end.
- Large Pan: You’ll brown the meat and cook the veggies in a large pan or deep skillet before mixing it with the rice.
How to Make
Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Rice
Rinse the uncooked rice, then add to a dutch oven with the broth.
- Boil Rice
Bring broth to a boil, then reduce to medium low. Cover pot and cook for 20 minutes.
- Meat Mixture
Meanwhile, add the beef and sausage to a separate large pan. Brown over high, breaking apart occasionally, until no longer pink. Do not drain.
- Veggie Mixture
Transfer meat to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the oil, bell peppers, and onions to the skillet and cook over high until onions are translucent. Stir in garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Season
Add the spices and water, scraping any bits up off the bottom.
- Add the Meat
Transfer the meat back to the pan and stir to coat it with the gravy sauce and veggies.
- Combine
Remove the rice from the heat once it’s cooked. Rest for 5 minutes before removing the lid and fluffing the rice. Stir in the meat and veggie mixture until combined.
- Serve
Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Serve as a meal in itself or as a side dish.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 pound ground beef , (85/15)
- 1/2 pound pork sausage
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 green bell pepper , minced
- 1/2 yellow onion , minced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Rinse your rice well then add to a dutch oven with your beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium low heat.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, add the ground beef and pork sausage to a large skillet on high heat.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes, breaking it apart and cooking until no longer pink.
- Remove the meat from the pan, add in vegetable oil, bell pepper, and onions, cooking for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
- Add in garlic, stir and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add in the Cajun seasoning and water; stirring well. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Return the cooked meat to the skillet, stir until coated with seasonings and mixed with veggies.
- Once rice is done cooking, remove from heat and leave covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice, then stir meat mixture into the pot, stirring to combine.
Nutrition
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Chef’s Note: Difference Between Dirty Rice and Jambalaya
While Dirty Rice and Jambalaya are both Cajun dishes made with rice, they have distinct differences. Jambalaya is a rice dish made with meat, seafood, and vegetables, but it is typically made with larger pieces of meat and vegetables, and a rich seasoned broth to which cooked rice is added, giving it a more soupy consistency. On the other hand, Dirty Rice is made with ground meat in a thick sauce, so the dish is firmer and unified similar to other rice dishes like Chinese Fried Rice.
Can this be made ahead of time?
If you want to make this dish easier, you can prepare the rice a day ahead of time. Day old cooked rice is often better in dishes like this one because it dries out overnight which can help prevent mushy rice. When you are ready to serve Dirty Rice, leave the rice at room temp for 10 minutes. Reheat on the stove top with a couple tablespoons of broth over low heat for about 5-8 minutes.
Nutritional Facts
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Stir Frequently
- Be sure to stir your meat mixture frequently while browning, as you don’t want it to stick to the bottom of the pan or for very large chunks to form.
- Prevent Greasy Dirty Rice
- The beef fat is not drained after you cook the meat mixture. Instead it’s used to cook the veggies, so be sure to use an 85/15 blend so the dish isn’t greasy.
What to Pair With Dirty Rice
- Dirty rice pairs well with many different dishes. You’ll find it served with Fried Chicken just as often as it’s served with Thanksgiving Turkey. Try it with classic main dishes like Andouille Sausage, Kielbasa, or Cajun BBQ Shrimp. Enjoy a big bowl for dinner with Potato Salad or a side salad, seal some in a container to take for an easy lunch to reheat at work, or use it as a stuffing for acorn squash or bell peppers. This dish is just as versatile as it is delicious.
How to Store
- Store: Dirty Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours and cool everything completely before storing.
- Reheat: Reheat leftover Dirty Rice on the stove top in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. Stir in beef broth a tablespoon at a time if it’s too dry.
- Freeze: Once cooled, transfer the rice to a freezer safe bag, or bags for individual portions. Dirty Rice can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it as instructed above.
Ideas to Serve Dirty Rice
One of the best things about this dish is that it is meant to be versatile, both in the ingredients and how you serve it! Dirty Rice is served both as a main dish and a side dish, and practically any occasion from a casual get-together to a holiday dinner. It would make a great side to bring with you to a holiday gathering or potluck. No matter how you serve it, this Southern classic is sure to be a new family favorite!
Alternative Cooking Techniques
Instant Pot Dirty Rice
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef and pork and brown for 8-10 minutes, until cooked and no longer pink.
- Add the peppers and onions to the meat and sauté until onions are transparent and soft.
- Stir in the remaining spices and garlic, cooking until fragrant then cancel Sauté or turn off unit.
- Add 2 cups beef broth to the pot, stirring and scraping up any browned bits off the bottom, then stir in the rice. Note: You only need 2 cups of broth to cook the rice in the Instant pot.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set it to sealing position, and cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the timer beeps, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure. Fluff and stir to mix everything as needed before serving.
Frequent Questions
Dirty Rice is a classic Cajun dish made from rice, mixed with a flavorful blend of meats, vegetables, and spices. Today it is typically made ground meats like beef or chicken, and often sausage. It is flavored with Cajun or Creole spice blends, depending on the region you are in and who is making it for you. It is a fiercely loved dish and considered a prime example of classic Louisiana cuisine.
Dirty Rice is also known as Cajun Rice, a reference to the Cajun and Creole cuisine of Louisiana where the dish is popular. Some regions call it rice dressing, especially if using it like you would stuffing.
The name “Dirty Rice” refers to the appearance of the dish, not its actual cleanliness. The small bits of meat, vegetables, and spices make it look messy and the meaty gravy is usually dark, making the actual rice look “dirty”.
Dirty Rice can be served as either a side dish or a main dish. It is often served as a main dish in Cajun and Creole cuisine, as it is hearty and filling enough to be a meal in its own right, while in other cases it may be served as a side dish with other southern favorites.
Related Recipes
More Classic Southern Favorites
Variations
- Chicken: For a more authentic flavor, use a pound ground chicken livers (or finely chopped chicken liver) instead of the ground beef. Cook with the ground pork sausage, adding 2 tablespoons oil to the pan to make up for the missing fat from the beef.
- Vegetarian: Replace the meat with more diced veggies like carrots, celery, and mushrooms and use veggie broth for a vegetarian-friendly option. Add a can of fire-roasted tomatoes and some Worcestershire to give the gravy a similar meaty flavor and darker coloring.
- Meat: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version, or add smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa sausage when you add the veggies. Try it with seafood like shrimp, white fish, or crawfish or add spicy chorizo instead of the regular sausage.
