When it comes to soul-warming Southern comfort food, Dirty Rice with Ground Beef always hits the spot. This flavorful rice dish gets its “dirty” name from the way the rice turns a rich brown color as it absorbs all the spices, meat, and aromatics cooked into it. Originally a Cajun and Creole favorite from Louisiana, dirty rice has become a beloved dish all across America because it’s budget-friendly, filling, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Affordable & hearty – Uses simple pantry ingredients like rice, beef, and veggies.
Full of flavor – Spiced with Creole or Cajun seasoning, onions, peppers, and garlic.
One-pot wonder – Everything cooks together in one skillet, which means fewer dishes.
Versatile – Enjoy it as a main dish or a side for grilled chicken, pork chops, or seafood.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (lean works best)
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
1 tsp paprik
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
2 bay leaves
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté the Vegetables Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the beef.
Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Season It Up Stir in paprika, thyme, oregano, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Let the spices toast for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
Add Rice & Broth Pour in the uncooked rice, stirring to coat it in the seasonings and beef mixture.
Add beef broth and bay leaves, then bring to a boil.
Simmer Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
Finish & Serve Remove bay leaves, fluff rice with a fork, and garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
Rice matters: Long-grain white rice works best for fluffy texture. Boost the flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick. Make it traditional: If you want a true Louisiana taste, replace part of the ground beef with finely chopped chicken livers. Meal prep friendly: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or weekly meal planning.
Serving Suggestions
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:
Fried or baked chicken Grilled pork chops Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits A fresh green salad
Final Thoughts
This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is the perfect combination of rich flavor, comforting textures, and Southern tradition—without the fuss. Whether you serve it for a weeknight family meal or bring it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to become a crowd favorite.