Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that brings the spirit of Southern comfort food straight to your kitchen.
With perfectly seasoned beef, sautéed vegetables, and fluffy rice, it’s a satisfying one-skillet meal perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: Made with basic pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes.
One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup but maximum flavor.
Customizable: Adjust the spice, add more veggies, or swap proteins to your liking.
Perfect for leftovers: It tastes even better the next day!
Key Ingredients
Ground beef – Provides a rich, savory base for the dish.
Onion and bell pepper – Add sweetness and freshness to balance the beef.
Cooked rice – Best when slightly dry, like day-old rice, for the perfect texture.
Dried thyme and paprika – Essential spices for classic Dirty Rice flavor.
Cayenne pepper (optional) – Adds a subtle heat if desired.
Scallions – Fresh garnish to brighten the dish.
Dirty Rice Made With Ground Beef!
Ingredients:
Olive oil
Ground beef
Onion and bell pepper
Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
Dried thyme, paprika, optional cayenne
Salt, pepper, and optional scallions
Instructions:
Prepare the Rice:
If you don’t already have cooked rice, prepare it according to package instructions.
Day-old rice is ideal for the best texture.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula.
Cook until fully browned and no pink remains.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper to the skillet with the beef.
Stir and cook for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Season the Mixture:
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, paprika, a pinch of cayenne if you like heat, along with salt and black pepper.
Stir well to evenly coat the beef and veggies.
Combine with Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the pan.
Stir everything together and cook for another 4–5 minutes, letting the rice absorb all the flavors.
Serve:
Garnish with sliced scallions if desired and enjoy hot!
Nutrition Information
(approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~420 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: ~580mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Add extra cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes, or even diced jalapeños.
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but try to let it cool and dry out slightly first so it doesn’t get mushy.
Is Dirty Rice usually made with beef?
Traditionally, it includes chicken livers or gizzards, but ground beef is a popular and easy modern version.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, it’s naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese as a topping.
How can I make it more authentic Cajun-style?
Use a Cajun spice blend and add a little minced celery for that classic “holy trinity” flavor.
Should I drain the beef after browning?
If there’s a lot of grease, drain some off, but leave a little behind for flavor.
How fine should I dice the vegetables?
Small dice is best so they cook quickly and mix well with the rice.
When should I add the spices?
Add the spices after the vegetables have softened but before the rice, so they bloom in the fat.
Can I cook the rice in the same skillet?
This recipe assumes pre-cooked rice, but you can simmer raw rice in broth with the beef if you prefer a one-step meal (it’ll take longer).
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Use a non-stick skillet or stir frequently, and make sure there’s a little oil left in the pan when adding the rice.