Dirty Rice with Ground Beef – A Southern Comfort Classic You’ll Crave!
Looking for a one-pan dinner that’s packed with bold flavors, tender beef, and savory spices? This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food—a Southern-inspired dish that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, this recipe brings the heat, the heart, and the soul straight to your table.Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef (80–85% lean)
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules (or substitute with beef base)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (like Lawry’s)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Optional: For a smoky or spicy kick, try adding Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika.
How to Make Dirty Rice – Step by Step:
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. This takes about 7–10 minutes.
Tip: Drain excess fat if there’s too much grease, but leave a little for flavor!
2. Add Aromatics and Peppers
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper directly into the beef. Stir and sauté everything together for about 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aroma.
These veggies not only add flavor but give the dish a beautiful color contrast.
3. Season Generously
Sprinkle in the beef bouillon granules, salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed across the meat and vegetables. Let everything cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Want more depth? Add garlic powder or a clove of minced garlic at this stage.
4. Add Rice and Water
Now it’s time to turn this into a one-pot wonder. Pour in the water and stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Bring the entire mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
5. Cover and Simmer
Once it hits a boil, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 20–25 minutes. The rice will absorb all the liquid and soak up the rich flavors from the meat and spices.
Don’t lift the lid too soon! Let the steam work its magic.
6. Fluff and Serve
When the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and evenly distribute everything.
Serve hot and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Optional Additions & Variations
- Spicy Cajun Dirty Rice: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Smoked Sausage: Replace or mix the ground beef with sliced andouille sausage or smoked turkey sausage.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Beef Broth Option: Replace the water and bouillon with 2 cups of beef broth—just reduce added salt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan cleanup
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
- Customizable spice level
- Family-friendly flavor
This recipe has been passed down through Southern kitchens for generations, and it’s easy to see why—it’s fast, flavorful, and full of comfort. Every bite is a perfect blend of beefy richness, warm spices, and tender vegetables.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Fun Fact:
Did you know? The term “Dirty Rice” comes from the speckled, “dirty” appearance the rice gets from the cooked meat and seasonings. It’s a staple in Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisines!
Share the Flavor!
If you love this recipe, don’t forget to pin it, print it, or share it on Facebook. Better yet, cook it for someone you love tonight and make memories around the table.