Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love it:

  1. Full of Flavor: The combination of ground beef, seasonings, and vegetables delivers a bold, savory taste with every bite.

  2. One-Pot Wonder: It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that only requires one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

  3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to your preferences or what you have on hand.

  4. Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight meal.

  5. Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this dish, as it’s both flavorful and comforting.

  6. Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

  • 2 stalks celery, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon thyme

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

  3. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

  4. Stir in the paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix well.

  5. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the seasonings and beef mixture.

  6. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.

  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

  8. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.

  9. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6 servings

  • Total time: Approximately 35 minutes (prep + cooking)

Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or use a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant.

  • Add More Heat: If you love spicy food, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.

  • Rice Variations: You can substitute white rice with brown rice for a heartier dish, but make sure to adjust the cooking time.

  • Add Sausage: For a more authentic “dirty rice,” include some sausage such as andouille for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

  • Freezing: You can freeze Dirty Rice for up to 3 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Add extra water or broth to compensate.

2. Is Dirty Rice spicy?

The recipe as written is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste. If you prefer no heat, just leave it out.

3. Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. The flavors will still be delicious.

4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook through properly.

6. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, chicken broth is a good substitute if you don’t have beef broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.

7. How do I make sure the rice doesn’t get mushy?

Be sure to use the correct ratio of liquid to rice, and let the rice simmer on low heat without stirring too much. Also, covering the skillet while it cooks helps retain moisture.

8. How long does this dish take to cook?

The cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes for resting after the rice is done.

9. Can I make this in advance?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s a great option for meal prep.

10. What can I serve this dish with?

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef pairs well with a simple green salad, cornbread, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats for a heartier meal.

Conclusion

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a delicious and comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. With its rich flavors and versatility, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef


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  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings together a mix of ground beef, spices, and vegetables in a savory, seasoned rice base. It’s an easy one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.


Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 medium onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix well.
  5. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the beef and seasonings.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.
  9. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

  1. Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or use a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant.
  2. Add More Heat: Increase cayenne pepper or add jalapeños for extra spice.
  3. Rice Variations: Brown rice can be substituted, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  4. Add Sausage: For authentic dirty rice, include andouille sausage for extra flavor.
  5. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freezing is possible for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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