Dirty Rice Recipe
If you love bold flavors and easy, one-pot meals, then dirty rice is a must-try! This Southern classic is packed with spices, hearty protein, and fluffy rice, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Rice Cooker (Optional)
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice preferably day-old for better texture
For the Meat & Vegetables:
- ½ pound ground beef or pork or a mix of both
- ½ pound chicken livers finely chopped (optional but traditional)
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
For the Seasoning:
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra spice
For Cooking & Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables (5 minutes)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking). Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step—letting the veggies soften properly builds a deep, rich flavor for the dish.
Brown the Meat (7-10 minutes)
- Add the ground beef (or pork) and chicken livers to the pan.
- Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it, but leave a little for flavor.
- If you’re new to using chicken livers, don’t worry! They blend right in and give the dish a deep, rich taste without being overpowering.
Season It Up (2 minutes)
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Mix well so the seasonings coat the meat evenly. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to bring out the flavors.
- Pro Tip: This step is where the magic happens! Letting the spices toast for a minute before adding liquid intensifies the flavor.
Add the Rice & Broth (5 minutes)
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cooked rice and stir until it’s fully combined with the meat and veggies.
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to help everything blend together. Stir well and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
- If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash more broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
Garnish & Serve (1 minute)
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh, slightly crunchy finish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Pro Tip: Dirty rice pairs perfectly with cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~350-400 kcal
- Protein: ~15-18g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fats: ~12-15g
- Fiber: ~2-3g
- Sodium: ~600-800mg (varies based on seasoning and broth used)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.