Looking for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Easy Dirty Rice recipe! Packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, vegetables, and Cajun seasoning, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s so simple to make that you’ll never reach for the boxed variety again. This would be a great side dish with our roasted blackened chicken.
Why Is It Called Dirty Rice?
The name “dirty rice” stems from the dish’s appearance after being cooked with a medley of ingredients. As the rice absorbs the flavors of the meat, vegetables, seasonings, and beef broth, it takes on a distinctive brown hue, resembling soil or “dirt.” Despite its name, there’s nothing dirty about the delicious flavors packed into every bite!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Meats: In this recipe, we combine the rich flavors of ground beef and mild Italian sausage. However, feel free to spice things up by using spicy Italian sausage or experimenting with kielbasa. If you prefer a simpler approach, sticking to ground beef works just as well.
Vegetables: A medley of yellow onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic adds depth to this dish. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences or incorporate additional veggies for extra nutrition.
Rice: Long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati, forms the foundation of this dish. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice you choose, ensuring perfectly cooked grains every time.
Beef Broth: Enhance the savory profile of the dish with beef broth, which serves as both a cooking liquid and flavor enhancer. If beef broth isn’t available, substitute with beef stock for similar results.
How To Store Easy Dirty Rice
To prolong the enjoyment of your dirty rice, follow these simple storage tips:
- Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store the rice in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it remains tightly sealed.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- For longer storage, freeze the rice in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Dirty Rice
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups 370 g long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 4 cups 32 ounces / 960 g beef broth
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat, add ground beef and Italian sausage and cook until the meat is no longer pink (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add onions, green pepper, and celery. Cook until softened (4-5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add in Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper and stir together until well combined.
- Add uncooked rice and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked through.
- Remove from heat. Allow the rice to rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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