Savory Dirty Rice with Ground Meat and Aromatic Vegetables Recipe

Introduction

Dirty Rice is a flavorful and hearty Cajun-inspired dish that combines ground meat with aromatic vegetables and spices. It’s a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something satisfying with a little kick.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1/2 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups water or broth (for cooking rice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the rice according to package instructions, using water or broth for extra flavor. Set aside when done.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the flavors combine.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix thoroughly with the meat and vegetable mixture until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot as a main dish or side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Try using a combination of ground pork and beef for a richer taste.
• Add chopped green onions or parsley at the end for freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but cooking times will be longer. Prepare the brown rice separately before combining it with the meat and vegetables.

Is dirty rice spicy?

The dish can be mildly spicy depending on the Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less seasoning or including hot sauce to suit your taste.

Savory Dirty Rice with Ground Meat and Aromatic Vegetables Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 71 reviews

Dirty Rice is a classic Cajun dish known for its flavorful blend of ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and spices mixed with fluffy cooked rice. This hearty recipe is perfect as a comforting main course or a savory side, delivering a satisfying balance of bold spices and rich textures.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Rice

• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 2 cups cooked white rice

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop the onion, bell pepper, celery, and mince the garlic. These form the aromatic base of the dish.
2. Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
3. Saute the vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
4. Add spices: Stir in paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt, mixing thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices.
5. Combine rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring well so all ingredients are incorporated evenly. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and the rice to heat through.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot as a main dish or side, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Use ground pork, beef, or a combination for more authentic flavor.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
• For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce while cooking the meat.
• Leftover dirty rice keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with hot sauce or pickled vegetables.

Keywords: Dirty Rice, Cajun recipe, ground meat rice dish, spicy rice, comfort food