Description
This Authentic Beef Dirty Rice recipe is a hearty and flavorful Cajun classic. Ground beef, the “Cajun trinity” of vegetables, rice, and a blend of Creole spices come together for a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Get ready to experience a taste of Louisiana!
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
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1/2 cup chopped onion
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1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
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1/2 cup chopped celery
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4 ounces chicken or beef livers, finely minced (optional, but traditional)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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2 cups cooked long-grain white rice (cooked according to package directions)
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1 1/2 cups beef broth
Instructions
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Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery (the “Cajun trinity”) to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Livers (Optional): If using, add the minced chicken or beef livers to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the livers are browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
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Stir in Spices: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the cooked rice and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is heated through.
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Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
Variations: For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Use different vegetables like diced carrots or mushrooms. Some versions also include a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Tips: Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor. Don’t overcook the rice, as it will become mushy. Adjust the amount of salt and spices to your liking.
Allergies/Intolerances: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Ensure the beef broth is also gluten-free if needed.
Taste Preferences: If you don’t like organ meats, you can skip the livers completely without significantly impacting the flavor (though it will be less “authentic”).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg (depending on broth)
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg (if using livers, otherwise lower)
Keywords: Beef dirty rice recipe, dirty rice, cajun recipe, ground beef recipe, rice recipe, easy dinner recipe, louisiana cuisine, cajun cooking, beef rice