Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

If you need a weeknight hero that tastes like you actually planned dinner, meet my Dirty Rice with Ground Beef — comfort food that cooks faster than your ability to make excuses. It’s spiced, slightly mischievous, and somehow both hearty and forgiving. Think: ground beef doing a convincing impression of Cajun soul, rice soaking up all the good stuff, and a pan that’s about to get very, very happy.

Once, my husband tried to “help” by stirring while I browned the meat. He mistook cayenne for paprika (I call it “character”), then declared the smoke alarm “part of the ambiance.” The kids applauded like it was a magic trick. We ate rice that could power a small spaceship and called it bonding. I still let him help sometimes because chaos tastes better with a side of sarcasm.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Brown extra meat when you have time and freeze in portions. Future you will send thank-you emojis.
– Use pre-chopped onion/pepper from the store. Yes, that’s cheating — but I’ll take the extra five minutes of sanity.
– One-pot maneuver: cook the rice in the same pan after trimming the fat. More flavor, slightly fewer dishes. Sorry, dish pile, you’re not winning tonight.
– Microwave the rice for a minute to loosen clumps if you’re reusing leftovers. It’s not a crime, it’s modern cuisine.

Serving Ideas

– Spoon over steamed greens for a virtuous-looking plate (nobody has to know you used frozen spinach).
– Top with a fried egg if you want instant comfort and Instagram credibility.
– Serve with pickled jalapeños if someone in the house needs to feel alive.
– Pair with a simple salad and cheap wine if the kids tested your patience before 6 p.m.
– Or just scoop it into bowls and surrender to the chaos — sometimes simple is the main event.

What to Serve It With

Mashed sweet potatoes for a sweet-and-spicy vibe, roasted green beans for crunch, or tortilla chips for the person who refuses to eat anything without dipping. I won’t judge if you eat it straight from the pan.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. You want browning, not meek steaming.
– Taste as you go. Spices can be shy or loud depending on your jar’s mood.
– If your rice gets gummy, spread it on a baking sheet and stick it in the oven for a few minutes to dry out and get a little texture.
– Yes, the pan might be too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes to make it fit.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of water to revive the rice, or microwave stubborn clumps with a damp paper towel. Freeze portions in airtight containers for future nights when you need dinner and dignity.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts. Go vegetarian with lentils, use ground turkey for a lighter version, or throw in whatever bell pepper color your kids didn’t launch across the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

A flavorful Southern dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and rice.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.2 lb ground beef Use lean beef for a healthier option
• ▢ 1.5 cup long-grain rice Rinse the rice before cooking
• ▢ 1 cup chopped onion
• ▢ 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• ▢ 0.5 cup celery, diced
• ▢ 4 clove garlic, minced
• ▢ 2 cup beef broth
• ▢ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ 1 tbsp cajun seasoning Adjust to taste
• ▢ 1 tsp salt Add more if desired
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground is best
• ▢ 1 cup green onions, sliced For garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
• Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add diced tomatoes or hot sauce. Serve with some cornbread on the side!