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Louisiana Dirty Rice

Louisiana Dirty Rice

from southernliving.com
55 min
8 servings

This Louisiana Dirty Rice recipe is loaded with Cajun spice, ground meat, and the classic holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery—making it a one-pan dish full of bold, comforting flavor.

Ingredients

  • chicken broth

    divided

    4 c
  • uncooked long-grain white rice

    rinsed well

    2 c
  • canola oil
    1 tbsp.
  • 90/10 lean ground beef
    1 lb.
  • ground pork
    1 lb.
  • yellow onion

    chopped, about 1 1/2 cups

    1 medium
  • green bell pepper

    chopped, about 1 cup

    1 medium
  • celery stalks

    chopped, about 1 cup

    2 medium
  • cajun seasoning

    such as tony chachere’s

    1 ½ tbsp.
  • finely chopped garlic

    from 3 medium cloves

    1 tbsp.
  • kosher salt
    1 tsp.
  • dried thyme
    1 tsp.
  • dried bay leaves

    or 1 fresh bay leaf

    2
  • chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

    plus more for garnish

    ¼ c
  • thinly sliced green onions

    for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Bring 3 cups of the chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan over high. Stir in  rice, reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside uncovered.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Meanwhile, heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high until shimmering. Add ground beef and pork, and cook, stirring constantly, until meat starts to brown and crumble, about 6 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to Dutch oven; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add Cajun seasoning, garlic, salt, and thyme; cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add bay leaves and remaining 1 cup chicken broth; bring to a simmer over medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has mostly evaporated, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and discard bay leaves. Stir in parsley and reserved rice. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

    Step 3

About this Recipe

Louisiana Dirty Rice: A Flavorful One-Pan Classic

Get ready to bring the vibrant, soul-satisfying flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen with this incredible Louisiana Dirty Rice recipe! This isn't just a side dish; it's a hearty, one-pan entrée packed with bold Cajun spice, savory ground meats, and the aromatic foundation of the classic "holy trinity" – onion, bell pepper, and celery. In just about 55 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that truly sings with authentic New Orleans charm.

What makes our dirty rice so special? It's the perfect balance of ingredients. We combine lean ground beef and ground pork, which brown beautifully to create that signature savory base. Then, the finely chopped "holy trinity" cooks down, infusing the dish with incredible depth, complemented by pungent garlic and earthy thyme. The generous amount of Cajun seasoning ensures every bite is bursting with that unmistakable spicy, savory kick. Long-grain white rice soaks up all these delicious juices, turning wonderfully flavorful and "dirty" in the process.

Tips for Your Perfect Dirty Rice:

  • Spice It Up (or Down): The included Cajun seasoning amount provides a good medium heat. If you prefer more spice, don't hesitate to add a touch more, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the table. For less heat, slightly reduce the seasoning.
  • Meat Variations: While the beef and pork blend is classic, feel free to experiment! You could use ground turkey for a leaner option, or even add a pound of spicy ground sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions: While this Louisiana Dirty Rice is substantial enough to be a stand-alone entrée, it also makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken, fried catfish, or alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley and thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

This recipe is designed to be straightforward yet deliver maximum flavor, making it a fantastic addition to your weeknight rotation or a star at your next gathering. Embrace the spirit of Cajun cooking and dig into this truly unforgettable Louisiana Dirty Rice!

Frequently Asked Questions