There’s something undeniably comforting about the sizzling sound of ground beef hitting a hot skillet and the aroma of Cajun spices wafting through the kitchen. This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef recipe is a beloved dish from my Southern roots—a true staple in the Creole culinary tradition that brings warmth and soul to the dinner table, especially in the chilly winter months.
Growing up, my grandmother had a rule: every good dish should tell a story. Dirty rice was one of her go-to recipes—not just because it was budget-friendly, but because it brought people together. Whether we were feeding a house full of cousins or just making leftovers for the next day, this meal always hit the spot.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything from ingredients to step-by-step preparation, nutritional tips, variations, and even how to store it for meal prep. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and filled with tradition, this Dirty Rice with Ground Beef will become a weeknight favorite.
What is Dirty Rice?
Dirty rice is a traditional Creole dish made with white rice, ground meat (often liver or beef), vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery, and bold Cajun spices. The term “dirty” comes from the brownish color the rice takes on after being cooked with the meat and seasoning—a visual testament to its deep flavor.
Although originally made with chopped chicken livers or giblets, today’s home cooks often substitute with more accessible and kid-friendly ground beef, making this dish just as tasty and easier to love.
Why You’ll Love This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe
- Quick & Easy: A one-pot recipe that comes together in about 35 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients.
- Flavor-Packed: Loaded with aromatic veggies and Cajun spices.
- Perfect for Winter: Hearty, warm, and comforting.
- Versatile: Easily customizable for low-carb, gluten-free, or spicier versions.
Ingredients – What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make 4 servings of this delicious Dirty Rice with Ground Beef:
Core Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 ½ cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for extra depth)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or butter)
Cajun Seasoning Mix:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped chicken livers (for authentic flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- Sliced scallions or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Step 1: Prepare Your Rice
Start by cooking the white rice separately or use leftover rice. If using uncooked rice, rinse it thoroughly and cook it in the beef broth until just tender (about 15 minutes). Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Trinity
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper—this is the “holy trinity” of Cajun cuisine. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Push the veggies to the side of the pan and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
Optional: If using chicken livers, add them now and cook until they’re no longer pink.
Step 4: Add Garlic & Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and Cajun seasoning. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
Step 5: Combine & Simmer
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and gently stir to combine. If it seems too dry, add a splash of broth or water. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Garnish with sliced scallions or fresh parsley, and serve hot. Pair with cornbread, sautéed greens, or a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
- Use day-old rice for a less sticky texture.
- Don’t skip the trinity—onion, celery, and bell pepper form the flavor base.
- Adjust spice to your heat level—reduce cayenne if serving kids.
- Go traditional by adding chopped chicken livers for an old-school Southern touch.
Variations to Try
This dish is super adaptable. Here are some delicious twists on the classic:
1. Low-Carb Dirty Rice
Swap out rice for riced cauliflower. Cook it just enough to stay firm but tender. Reduce the broth accordingly.
2. Vegetarian Dirty Rice
Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
3. Spicy Andouille Dirty Rice
Add sliced andouille sausage for extra spice and smoke. You can use it alongside or in place of ground beef.
4. Cheesy Dirty Rice
Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar at the end for a creamy, indulgent finish.
Storage & Meal Prep
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef stores wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in single-serve containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or water, or reheat in a skillet on the stove.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
Perfect Pairings for Dirty Rice
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a standalone meal but shines with a few extras:
- Buttermilk Cornbread
- Southern Collard Greens
- Fried Okra or Green Beans
- Hot Sauce or Pickled Jalapeños on the side
Why Dirty Rice is a Southern Favorite
From New Orleans kitchens to rural Mississippi diners, Dirty Rice holds a place in the heart of Southern cooking. It’s a dish born from resourcefulness and flavored with community. While its name might not be fancy, its taste certainly is.
Whether you’re honoring your roots or discovering Creole cuisine for the first time, this Dirty Rice with Ground Beef delivers big comfort with bold, savory flavor. And once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s still passed down from generation to generation.