1. What meat goes well with dirty rice?

Dirty rice is traditionally made with ground meats like chicken livers, gizzards, or pork sausage, which give it a rich and savory flavor. However, you can also use ground beef, turkey, or even shredded chicken. Smoked sausage or andouille are excellent options for adding a smoky kick. Feel free to mix and match meats to suit your taste!

2. Is ground beef and brown rice good for you?

Yes, ground beef and brown rice can be a nutritious meal if prepared thoughtfully. Choose lean ground beef to reduce saturated fats, and brown rice is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Together, they provide protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. Adding vegetables like peppers, onions, or spinach boosts the nutritional value even more.

3. Why is dirty rice called dirty?

Dirty rice gets its name from its appearance. The "dirty" look comes from mixing cooked rice with finely chopped meats (like chicken livers, gizzards, or sausage) and seasoning them with spices and sautéed vegetables. The spices and meat juices give the rice a darker, almost "dirty" color, while also enhancing its flavor.

4. What is the difference between dirty rice and rice dressing?

Dirty rice and rice dressing have similar ingredients but different textures and purposes. Dirty rice is a standalone Creole dish with sautéed meats, vegetables, and rice cooked together. Rice dressing, on the other hand, is more of a casserole-style dish found in Cajun cooking. It’s typically baked, uses rice as a base, and often includes creamier or more cohesive ingredients to create a stuffing-like texture.

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

Name: Dirty Rice with Ground Beef: A Flavorful Southern Classic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1/2 tsp ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a savory, hearty dish that brings all the comforting flavors of the South right to your table. It’s packed with spices, ground beef, and a mix of vegetables, all cooked together to create a satisfying one-pot meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a side for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef

1 onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups beef broth

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

1/2 tsp ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Add the rice and seasonings:
Stir in the rice, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the rice cook with the beef and vegetables for about 1-2 minutes to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.
Simmer with broth and tomato sauce:
Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finish and garnish:
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Add More Veggies: For extra flavor, try adding diced celery or carrots when sautéing the vegetables.
Spice It Up: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference, or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
One-Pot Meal: This dish is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Calories: ~350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Dirty Rice Recipe, Ground Beef Rice Dish, Southern Dirty Rice, Comfort Food Recipe, One-Pot Dirty Rice