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Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll love taking simple ingredients and creating something so full of flavor that it feels gourmet. Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is one of my absolute favorite dishes—it’s hearty, bold, and brimming with Cajun spices.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef 1 pound: Go for 85/15 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and richness.
  • White rice 1 cup: Use long-grain rice as it stays fluffy in this recipe.
  • Onion 1 medium, diced: Adds sweetness and balance.
  • Green bell pepper 1 medium, diced: Brings a signature crunch and freshness.
  • Celery 1 rib, diced: Adds depth to the Cajun-inspired base.
  • Garlic 2 cloves, minced: A touch of aromatic flair.
  • Cajun seasoning 1 tablespoon: The key to bold, authentic flavor.
  • Kosher salt 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors.
  • Beef broth 2 cups: Infuses the rice with comforting, savory goodness.
  • Chopped green onion or parsley for garnish: Freshens up the dish before serving.

Method
 

  1. Heat your large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Stir it occasionally for about 5 minutes, ensuring there’s no pink left.
  2. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. Draining excess fat here is optional, depending on the richness you prefer.
  3. Using the same pan, toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Stir everything well and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and kosher salt.
  4. Allow the veggies to soften and release their aromatic flavors, which takes about 5 minutes. This step lays the foundation for the dish’s deep, bold taste.
  5. Pour the uncooked white rice directly into the pan with the vegetables. Stir it a bit to coat the rice with the spices and juices in the pan. Follow this by adding the beef broth and the cooked ground beef back into the mix.
  6. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover your pan and cook for 20-23 minutes, letting the rice absorb all that flavorful broth until it’s tender.
  7. Once cooked, take the pan off the heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes to rest. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Finally, sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top to add brightness and a pop of color before serving.
  8. And that’s it! A dish so simple yet so packed with flavor.

Notes

  • Don’t Skimp on Cajun Seasoning: It’s the heart of the dish, so use a quality blend or adjust to your spice tolerance.
  • Cut Veggies Evenly: Uniformly diced vegetables ensure even cooking and a better eating experience.
  • Simmer Without Stirring: Avoid stirring the rice too much, as it can become mushy.
  • Resting Time Matters: Allowing the dish to rest lets the flavors meld for the perfect balance.