Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Traditional dirty rice is often made with ground meat and chicken livers, but dirty rice with ground beef is an easy weeknight option. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is a startlingly quick and easy take on one of the best recipes from Louisiana. Making it from scratch with lean ground beef ensures it’s a low-fat dish with a lower sodium content than any boxed version.

What is dirty rice?

Traditionally, dirty rice (aka Cajun rice or rice dressing) was made with chicken livers, chicken gizzards and leftovers from other chicken or meat dishes. The meat is simmered with rice, water or broth, seasonings and vegetables such as onions, celery and peppers. The nickname “dirty” comes from the brown and flecked appearance of the finished dish. There are as many recipes for it as there are southern cooks!

Dirty rice is a dish with deep roots. Like other rice-based dishes like Brazilian feijoada and Hoppin’ John, dirty rice is a tribute to the ingenuity of enslaved cooks from centuries past. Given rice (an inexpensive staple) and the unwanted scraps from chickens or hogs, they managed to create memorable, flavorful dishes that have become cherished recipes.

Ingredients for Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

• Lean ground beef: Starting the dish with 90 percent lean ground beef helps reduce its saturated fat content.
• Celery: Celery is an essential part of the Cajun holy trinity, a combination of aromatic vegetables that form the flavor base for this dish.
• Red and green bell peppers: Green bell peppers are the second flavoring ingredient in the holy trinity. Red peppers aren’t traditional but lend color to the dish, making it look more appealing.
• Onion: Onion is the third part of the holy trinity, complementing the celery’s savory notes and the pepper’s grassy sweetness.
• Instant brown rice: Instant brown rice isn’t traditional, but it simplifies the dish so it cooks more quickly. It also adds fiber and nutrition.
• Parsley: Minced parsley adds a small pop of vivid color to the dish. Its flavor subtly elevates the other seasonings.
• Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce brings a complex set of flavors that add savory, tart and peppery qualities to the rice.
• Beef bouillon: Reduced-sodium beef bouillon granules intensify the beefy flavor without adding unnecessary salt.
• Cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning contributes a distinct flavor profile to the rice, along with a bit of heat.
• Seasonings: Crushed red pepper flakes and pepper add a hint of spiciness, while garlic powder brings a distinctively pungent flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the beef and vegetables

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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, celery, green and red peppers, and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes. Crumble the beef and drain any excess grease.

Editor’s Tip: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to crumble the beef as it cooks.

Step 2: Finish the dirty rice

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Stir in the water, rice, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon and Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, pepper and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer, covered, until the rice is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

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Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Variations

• Add chicken: Classic dirty rice recipes incorporate chicken giblets, like liver, heart and gizzards. They’re chopped, ground or minced, so the picky eaters in your family will never know they’re there! I like to buy a pack of each, divide them into small bags and freeze the mixed offal. When it comes time to make dirty rice, thaw a bag in the refrigerator overnight. You can chop the giblets in a food processor and brown them alongside the ground beef. Or, brown them first and then mince them in a food processor.
• Incorporate pork: Lean ground beef keeps the fat content low in this version of dirty rice, but you don’t have to commit to it completely. Adding ground pork will give the dish a more well-rounded flavor. You can use regular ground pork, loose pork sausage or breakfast sausage with the casings removed. If you want to keep the dish light, drain the skillet thoroughly after browning the pork. Most of the fat will be lost, but the added flavor will stay.
• Make meatless dirty rice: For a vegetarian version of dirty rice, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat brands. Alternatively, you can opt for meat alternatives like crispy baked tofu or bacon-flavored tempeh.

How to Store Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Any leftover dirty rice should be refrigerated in food-safe storage containers with tight-fitting lids. A covered bowl is fine if you only plan on storing the rice overnight, but a proper lid is best for more extended storage.

How long does dirty rice last?

Leftover dirty rice will last up to four days in the fridge, assuming it was refrigerated promptly after the meal.

Can you make dirty rice ahead of time?

Dirty rice is the kind of dish that improves with a little extra sitting time, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Prepare it in the morning for that evening’s meal, or make it a day ahead and bring it to a potluck. You can reheat dirty rice in the microwave or in a covered dish in a 350°F oven.

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Tips

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Can you use white rice to make dirty rice with ground beef?

White rice is the traditional option for dirty rice recipes, but we swap in brown rice for added fiber and nutrients. Feel free to substitute instant white rice and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can you use leftover rice to make dirty rice with ground beef?

You can make dirty rice using 2 cups of leftover rice, although you’ll need to make a few modifications to the recipe. Omit the 2 cups of water when adding the rice to the skillet. Stir the rice into the beef and vegetable mixture and break up any clumps. Cook until the rice is heated through and regains its soft texture. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to help steam it back to its original plump tenderness.

What goes into Cajun seasoning?

There are several Cajun seasoning mixes on the market, and each company has its own blend. Most versions include some combination of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne and dried herbs. Try a few store-bought versions to find your favorite brand, or whip up a homemade Cajun seasoning from scratch.

What other Cajun or Creole recipes should I try?

There are plenty of great Cajun recipes to make with the holy trinity! Try starting with shrimp Creole, Cajun baked catfish or other classic rice dishes like chicken jambalaya and Louisiana red beans and rice. While there is a difference between Cajun and Creole food, there’s enough overlap that they can be combined in the same meal without seeming out of place.