Dirty rice with ground beef is one of those dishes that turns simple, everyday ingredients into something deeply savory and satisfying. Originally rooted in Cajun and Creole cooking, dirty rice gets its name from its signature appearance—the rice absorbs spices, aromatics, and browned bits of meat, giving it a rich, “dirty” color that’s full of flavor.
This version uses ground beef to create a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights yet flavorful enough to serve at gatherings. With a base of fluffy rice, sautéed vegetables, aromatic spices, and tender meat, it’s a complete dish made in a single skillet. Whether you enjoy bold comfort food or quick, budget-friendly meals, dirty rice with ground beef is always a winner.
What Makes Dirty Rice So Delicious
Dirty rice is a comfort classic because it hits all the right notes:
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Savory browned ground beef adds hearty flavor.
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Holy trinity vegetables—onion, celery, and bell pepper—build depth.
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Cajun seasoning gives each bite warmth and spice.
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Rice absorbs the flavors, making every spoonful rich and satisfying.
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One-pan cooking keeps cleanup simple and approachable.
This dish is versatile, customizable, and perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Medium saucepan (for cooking rice)
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients List
For the Base
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
For the Seasoning
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1½–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp black pepper
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Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt to taste
For the Rice
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2¼ cups beef broth or chicken broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 bay leaf
Optional Add-Ins
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Green onions
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Parsley
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Hot sauce
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Ground chicken, turkey, or sausage instead of beef
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 35–40 minutes
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Servings: 4–5 servings
How to Make Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Dirty rice comes together quickly with just a bit of sautéing and simmering.
Step 1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s excess fat, drain some—but leave a little for flavor.
Step 2. Add the Aromatics
Stir in the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
These vegetables are essential for authentic Cajun flavor.
Step 3. Season Generously
Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne.
Toast the spices briefly in the pan to bring out their full aroma.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4. Add the Rice & Liquid
Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to coat each grain in the spices and beef mixture.
Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a bay leaf.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5. Cover & Cook
Reduce heat to low.
Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Avoid lifting the lid too often—steam is important for fluffy rice.
Step 6. Fluff, Rest & Serve
Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork.
Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
Garnish with green onions or parsley.
Why Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Is a Weeknight Hero
This dish brings together fast cooking, bold seasoning, and one-pan convenience. It’s perfect for busy nights because:
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It uses affordable, accessible ingredients.
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Everything cooks in the same skillet.
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The flavors are deep without requiring complicated steps.
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It can feed a family with minimal prep and cleanup.
Dirty rice is also great for meal prep because it reheats beautifully and stays flavorful for days.
Flavor Variations & Creative Add-Ins
This recipe welcomes adjustments based on what you love.
Make It Spicier
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Add jalapeños
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Increase cayenne
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Stir in hot sauce before serving
Make It Milder
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Reduce Cajun seasoning
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Omit cayenne
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Use sweet bell peppers
Add More Vegetables
Mix in:
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Mushrooms
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Carrots
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Green peas
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Spinach
These add nutrition and color to the dish.
Swap the Protein
Try using:
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Ground turkey
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Ground chicken
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Chicken livers (traditional)
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Andouille sausage
Each option changes the flavor profile in a great way.
What to Serve with Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Dirty rice is hearty on its own, but the right sides make it even better.
Great Side Dishes
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Cornbread
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Coleslaw
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Roasted okra
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Steamed broccoli
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Green salad
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Garlic bread
You can also serve it with grilled meats or seafood for a full Cajun-style spread.
Storage, Meal Prep & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
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Skillet: Warm with a splash of broth.
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Microwave: Heat in intervals, stirring between each.
Rice tends to absorb moisture, so adding liquid helps restore texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Dirty Rice
Toast rice before adding liquid
This enhances flavor and prevents mushiness.
Use flavorful broth
The broth determines how rich your final dish tastes.
Don’t skimp on Cajun seasoning
Dirty rice should be bold, warm, and aromatic.
Let the rice rest
This prevents gumminess and makes it fluffier.
Mix protein sizes
A combination of finely crumbled beef and larger bits adds authentic texture.
Nutritional Facts (Approx. per Serving)
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Calories: 420–470
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Protein: 22–26g
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Carbohydrates: 40–45g
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Fat: 18–21g
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Fiber: 2–3g
Values may vary depending on broth, meat type, and add-ins.
For dinner ideas that are both hearty and satisfying, explore Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, or Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s excess fat, drain some—but leave a little for flavor.
- Stir in the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- These vegetables are essential for authentic Cajun flavor.
- Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Toast the spices briefly in the pan to bring out their full aroma.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to coat each grain in the spices and beef mixture.
- Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a bay leaf.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often—steam is important for fluffy rice.
- Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley.
Conclusion
Dirty rice with ground beef is a bold, savory, and comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful one-pan meal. With its Cajun spices, aromatic vegetables, and tender ground beef, it’s satisfying enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use white rice instead of long-grain rice?
Yes. Long-grain rice is traditional, but white or jasmine rice can be used with similar results.
2. Is dirty rice supposed to be spicy?
Dirty rice is mildly spicy by default, but you can adjust heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
3. Can I make dirty rice ahead of time?
Yes. Dirty rice stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
4. Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well as substitutes.
5. Can dirty rice be frozen?
Yes. Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.