Introduction
If you need a reliable Dirty Rice with Ground Beef that works on a busy night, this version keeps the steps short and the flavor high. It uses pantry staples and a few smart cues, so you know exactly when to stir, simmer, and serve. You do not need special tools or fancy skills—just follow the signs and you will get a cozy, homey result.
Good heat brings sweetness from onions and browning builds savory depth without bitterness. Salt sharpens flavor while a touch of acid at the end makes everything taste brighter. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of liquid; if it feels thin, simmer a minute longer.
Benefits of This Recipe
The method is simple, the ingredient list is sensible, and the results are repeatable. It scales up for family or down for one, and it takes well to the swaps in the Variations section. Cleanup is easy because most of the cooking happens in one pan.
Good heat brings sweetness from onions and browning builds savory depth without bitterness. Salt sharpens flavor while a touch of acid at the end makes everything taste brighter. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of liquid; if it feels thin, simmer a minute longer.
- Fast, weeknight-friendly method.
- Pantry ingredients and clean flavors.
- Flexible swaps for protein, veg, and heat level.
- Scales for family or meal prep.
- Consistent results using visual cues.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir to coat rice with seasonings.
- Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
Do not rush the aromatics; let them soften until sweet before you add liquids. Avoid crowding the pan so moisture can escape and browning can happen. Taste before serving and adjust salt, acid, and heat to your liking.
Good heat brings sweetness from onions and browning builds savory depth without bitterness. Salt sharpens flavor while a touch of acid at the end makes everything taste brighter. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of liquid; if it feels thin, simmer a minute longer.
- Soften aromatics until sweet before adding liquids.
- Avoid overcrowding to keep browning active.
- Finish with salt or acid for balance.
Variations
- Protein: chicken, turkey, tofu, beef, or mushrooms.
- Lighter: olive oil for butter, extra stock for body.
- Spicy: red pepper flakes, cayenne, or harissa.
- Gluten-free: GF pasta or serve over rice.
- Low-carb: zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—cool fully and store airtight up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or water.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat on low and refresh seasoning to taste.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Most versions freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently.
What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
Reduce briefly to thicken; loosen with stock, pasta water, or milk if too thick. Adjust salt and acid.
Conclusion
This recipe is weeknight friendly, flexible, and built around dependable cues. It gives you control without stress and delivers the comfort people expect. Serve it with a simple salad or crusty bread and dinner is done.
Do not rush the aromatics; let them soften until sweet before you add liquids. Avoid crowding the pan so moisture can escape and browning can happen. Taste before serving and adjust salt, acid, and heat to your liking.
Recipe Card
Best Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe (Easy, Step-by-Step)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice uncooked
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir to coat rice with seasonings.
- Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes & Serving Suggestions
Good heat brings sweetness from onions and browning builds savory depth without bitterness. Salt sharpens flavor while a touch of acid at the end makes everything taste brighter. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of liquid; if it feels thin, simmer a minute longer.
Do not rush the aromatics; let them soften until sweet before you add liquids. Avoid crowding the pan so moisture can escape and browning can happen. Taste before serving and adjust salt, acid, and heat to your liking.
This recipe is weeknight friendly, flexible, and built around dependable cues. It gives you control without stress and delivers the comfort people expect. Serve it with a simple salad or crusty bread and dinner is done.
