Dirty Rice with Ground Beef (30-Minutes)

If you need a quick and hearty meal, this Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is perfect. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and comes together in about 30 minutes. The mix of rice, beef, and spices creates a satisfying Dinner that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. At Homeandfiesta, we love easy comfort food that doesn’t take hours and this one fits that perfectly.

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

What Is Dirty Rice?

Dirty rice is a classic Southern dish made with white rice, ground meat, and bold seasoning. It gets its name from the “dirty” color the meat and spices give to the rice. Traditionally, it’s made with chicken liver or giblets, but this version uses ground beef to keep it simple and family-friendly.

• The flavor comes from sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
• Creole or Cajun seasoning gives it that deep, rich Southern taste.
• You can serve it as a main dish or a side for things like grilled chicken or shrimp.

You can also use ground turkey or sausage if you like. The base recipe stays the same.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

You only need a few simple ingredients. Most of these are probably already in your kitchen.

• Ground beef: Use lean ground beef (around 90/10). It cooks fast and gives great flavor.
• Cooked rice: White rice works best, but you can use brown rice for more fiber.
• Onion and bell pepper: These add sweetness and texture.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic brings depth.
• Cajun or Creole seasoning: The heart of this dish. Use a store blend or make your own.
• Beef broth: Helps blend the flavors and gives the rice a moist texture.
• Green onions: For freshness and color at the end.

You can add a few extras if you like: a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or a handful of parsley for color.

How to Make Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

This recipe is quick and uses one skillet. Cleanup is easy, and dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any extra fat.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir often so they don’t burn.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables. The seasoning will start to darken and stick to the bottom — that’s what gives the rice its “dirty” color.

Step 4: Add the Rice and Broth

Stir in the cooked rice and pour in the beef broth. Mix everything together until combined. Let it cook for 5 minutes on low heat so the rice absorbs the flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot.

That’s it. Dinner done.

Tips for the Best Dirty Rice

A few small details make a big difference.

• Use day-old rice: Cold, leftover rice doesn’t clump and absorbs flavor better.
• Don’t skip the seasoning: Dirty rice gets its flavor from spice and browning.
• Control the spice level: Add cayenne or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
• Let it rest before serving: Just a few minutes helps the flavors settle.

You can double this recipe for meal prep or leftovers. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

What to Serve with Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is flexible. You can eat it as a main dish or pair it with sides for a full meal. Here are some ideas:

• Cornbread or dinner rolls: Something soft to soak up the sauce.
• Green beans or roasted broccoli: Adds balance to the rich flavors.
• Simple salad: A crisp salad with lemon dressing pairs perfectly.
• Grilled chicken or shrimp: If you want extra protein, this makes a great base.

This dish also fits well at potlucks or weeknight dinners. You can serve it straight from the skillet.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers are easy to handle. Dirty rice stores well and makes great lunches.

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it cool first.
• To reheat: Add a splash of broth or water and warm it in a skillet over low heat.

Avoid microwaving on high because it can dry out the rice. Stir halfway through to heat evenly.

Nutrition Benefits

This dirty rice is filling and balanced. You get protein from the beef and carbs from the rice. Bell peppers and onions add vitamins and fiber. You can also make it lighter by using lean ground turkey or brown rice.

If you want less sodium, use a low-sodium broth and reduce the Cajun seasoning slightly.

FAQs About Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes. Brown rice works fine, but it takes longer to cook. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the skillet.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?
You can. Use cooked lentils or crumbled tofu instead of beef. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.

3. How do I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce. Cajun seasoning also varies by brand, so taste and adjust.

4. Can I cook the rice in the same pan?
You can, but it’ll take longer. For a faster version, use pre-cooked rice.

5. What’s the best meat to use for dirty rice?
Ground beef gives great flavor, but sausage or ground turkey also work. A mix of meats adds richness.

Conclusion

This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is fast, flavorful, and satisfying. You only need one skillet and a few ingredients. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that works for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. You can find more easy family meals like this on homeandfiesta all simple, comforting, and made to save time.