Savory Dirty Rice with Ground Meat and Vegetables Recipe

Introduction

Dirty Rice is a flavorful Cajun dish that combines ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and spices with fluffy rice. It’s a hearty, comforting meal perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or spices of choice
• Salt and 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 added flavor. Set aside once done.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the meat. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir thoroughly until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
• Add chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
• For extra heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Try using long-grain white rice or brown rice depending on your preference.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes, dirty rice can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It reheats well and can be a convenient meal option for busy days.

What spices are best for authentic flavor?

Cajun seasoning typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Using a pre-made Cajun spice blend is an easy way to get authentic flavor.

Savory Dirty Rice with Ground Meat and Vegetables Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

Dirty Rice is a classic Cajun dish featuring rice cooked with ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices, delivering a flavorful and hearty meal with a robust Southern flair.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (for cooking rice)
• 1/2 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground pork and beef)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or a blend of paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil, add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Cook Ground Meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
5. Combine with Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Dirty Rice hot as a main dish or a side accompaniment.

Notes

• Use ground pork or a combination of pork and beef for a more authentic Cajun flavor.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the Cajun seasoning does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Keywords: Dirty Rice, Cajun Rice, Ground Meat Rice, Spicy Rice, Southern Cuisine