Dirty Rice

Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is a delicious Louisiana staple made of rice, ground pork sausage, ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sometimes offal such as liver.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef

    96% lean

  • 1 lb. loose ground pork sausage
  • 1 medium green bell pepper

    seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped

  • 1 small yellow onion

    finely chopped

  • 2 stalks celery

    finely chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic

    finely chopped

  • 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning

    or more

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 c. cooked white rice
  • Kosher salt
  • 6 sprigs parsley

    finely chopped

  • Tabasco sauce

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium-high heat, cook beef and sausage, stirring frequently and breaking into bits, until browned, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meat mixture to a medium bowl; discard all but 2 tablespoons fat.

  2. 2

    In same skillet over medium-high heat, cook bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaves, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, 5 to 7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Return meat mixture to skillet, then add rice. Cook, stirring frequently to break up rice, 3 to 4 minutes. Add more Cajun seasoning, if needed; discard bay leaves.

  4. 4

    Transfer rice to a platter. Top with parsley. Serve with Tabasco sauce alongside.

Dirty Rice

Dirty Rice

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Dirty Rice

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About this Recipe

Ready to bring the soulful flavors of Louisiana into your kitchen? This Dirty Rice recipe delivers an authentic taste of a Southern classic right to your dinner table, perfect for any home cook looking to explore rich, comforting cuisine.

What makes this Dirty Rice truly special is its robust combination of ground beef and savory pork sausage, creating a deep, meaty foundation that's incredibly satisfying. Paired with the aromatic trinity of finely chopped bell pepper, onion, and celery, this dish builds layers of flavor that are unmistakably comforting and deeply satisfying.

Prepare for a deeply savory and hearty dish, rich with the flavors of perfectly seasoned ground meats and tender, aromatic vegetables, all mixed into fluffy white rice. Each spoonful offers a robust taste, with a subtle warmth from the Cajun seasoning and a fresh, vibrant finish from fresh parsley. It’s a substantial, comforting meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

While this recipe shines as written, you can easily customize your Dirty Rice. For an even deeper, earthy flavor, consider incorporating finely chopped chicken or beef liver, which is traditional in some classic versions. If you prefer to adjust the spice level, simply modify the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste, or add extra Tabasco sauce when serving for a bolder kick.

Serve this classic Dirty Rice as a hearty main course, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or cornbread for a complete Southern-inspired meal. A dash of Tabasco sauce at the table is always a welcome addition for those who enjoy an extra burst of heat.

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