Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Looking for a dish that’s flavorful, hearty, and totally satisfying? Let me introduce you to Dirty Rice with Ground Beef! This one-pan wonder is bursting with flavor thanks to a savory mix of seasoned ground beef, rice, and a combination of spices that’ll have your taste buds dancing. It’s comfort food that’s both filling and delicious, with a bit of a kick. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again—it’s the perfect combination of comfort and boldness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your hunger—it’s about creating a dish that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, this dish is perfect for all occasions. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Versatile: Dirty rice is great on its own or paired with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or a laid-back gathering.

Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, this dish is an easy win for your wallet, while still delivering big on flavor.

Quick and Easy: In just about 30 minutes, you can have a fully cooked, hearty meal that’s ready to serve.

Customizable: You can make this dish as mild or spicy as you like by adjusting the seasonings. Add more veggies or different meats if you want to change it up!

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family. The savory beef, flavorful rice, and zesty spices are a combination that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful, satisfying dish:

Ground Beef: The main protein, providing that savory richness.

Long-Grain Rice: The base of the dish, with a soft texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors.

Bell Pepper: A little sweetness and crunch to balance the richness of the beef.

Onion: Adds a savory depth of flavor.

Garlic: For that aromatic punch that brings the dish together.

Celery: Adds a fresh, crisp bite that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

Chicken Broth: The key to cooking the rice and adding richness to the dish.

Seasonings: A blend of paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, and parsley creates the signature flavor that makes Dirty Rice so irresistible.

Salt and Pepper: To taste, to bring everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish:

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

Season the Mixture: Stir in the paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the spices toast for a minute to release their full flavor.

Add the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef and vegetable mixture. This will allow the rice to absorb the flavors.

Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the rice cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Fluff and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dirty rice hot, either on its own or with a side of your choice. It’s perfect for any meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with a side of cornbread or garlic bread to soak up the extra deliciousness.
• Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, flavorful rice.
• Top with a fried egg for an extra bit of indulgence.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• If you want to make the dish spicier, add extra cayenne pepper or throw in a chopped jalapeño for some heat.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
• If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well and still provides that rich flavor.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative to beef. It’ll still be delicious and satisfying.

2. Can I make Dirty Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, tempeh, or a veggie crumble.

5. How can I make the rice fluffier?
Make sure to follow the cooking times and avoid stirring the rice too much. Let it sit covered for a few minutes after cooking to steam and fluff up.

6. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to add more broth and extend the cooking time.

7. Can I add hot sauce to the Dirty Rice?
Definitely! If you love spice, drizzle some hot sauce over the top or stir it into the rice for an extra punch of heat.

8. Can I make this dish in the slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the rice and broth, and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the rice is tender.

9. How can I make the dish more flavorful?
If you want to add more depth, consider using smoked paprika or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of umami.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just make sure your skillet or pot is large enough, or use a larger cooking vessel to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

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