Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful Southern-inspired dish combining bold Cajun spices, tender ground beef, and fluffy long-grain white rice. This comforting one-pan meal comes together quickly in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights while delivering rich, savory flavors that satisfy the whole family.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Set aside to form the flavor base of the dish.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the rice and seasoning: Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it well with the beef and vegetables. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly, allowing the spices to toast slightly to release aroma.
- Pour in broth and simmer: Pour chicken broth over the mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Fluff and finish: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains and evenly distribute flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning for the best flavor impact.
- Sauté vegetables slowly to unlock their natural sweetness.
- Toast the rice slightly by stirring before adding broth for a nutty undertone.
- Maintain proper broth quantity to avoid dry or mushy rice.
- Letting the dish rest covered after cooking enhances flavor melding and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Dirty Rice, Ground Beef, Cajun, Southern, One-pan meal, Quick dinner, Comfort food, Gluten-free