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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/savory-dirty-rice-with-ground-meat-and-aromatic-vegetables-recipe/