What is Dirty Rice?
Cajun fried rice, also known as Dirty Rice, is a one-pot rice dish cooked with ingredients that give it a “dirty” color… The combination of ground beef, diced onions and bell peppers, and creole seasonings makes the rice appear brown with little flecks of spice. If you’re wondering – what’s the difference between dirty rice and jambalaya? – the answer lies in a few different key ingredients. Dirty rice is made with ground meat and peppers, it is basically like cajun fried rice. However, jambalaya includes diced tomatoes and typically is made with sausage and seafood (like shrimp or crawfish). Both are equally hearty and delicious in their own unique ways!
Easy Dirty Rice Recipe
A traditional Cajun dirty rice recipe generally uses meat scraps to make the most of resources and to provide flavor. Therefore, most contain liver and chopped meat. We’ve opted to go with ground beef for a more user-friendly version with lots of Cajun “holy trinity” veggies (onion, celery, and bell pepper) and full-bodied spice. This fabulously flavorful Cajun rice dish can be served as a one-pot stand-alone main dish, as a side dish, or with other southern-inspired sides!
Ingredients You Need For Cajun Rice
Butter – or bacon grease Trinity – chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper Garlic Cloves– minced Ground beef – see other options below Cajun seasoning – store-bought or homemade Dried thyme Long grain rice – classic white rice or swap basmati rice Beef broth – or swap chicken broth or vegetable broth Parsley – chopped
How to Make Dirty Rice
First, set a large 6-quart sauce pot/large dutch oven over medium heat/Medium high heat. Add the butter, chopped onions, celery, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and sauté for 5 minutes, until the onions are soft. Stir in the ground beef, Cajun seasoning, and thyme. Pro Tip: If you are sensitive to spice, use only 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. If you like to spice things up, use 4-5 teaspoons! Use a wooden spoon to break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks. Brown the meat for another 5 minutes. Once the meat has cooked through and is broken into very small pieces, stir in the rice. Mix well to coat all the grains of rice in beef juices. Then pour the beef broth over the top. Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Once boiling, stir well, then cover the pot again. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. Then remove the pot from the heat and leave it to steam, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the parsley. Taste, then add additional Cajun seasoning (or salt) if needed.
What Goes With This Recipe For Dirty Rice?
Our zesty, beefy, veggie-riffic dirty rice recipe is delicious and satisfying as a one-pot main dish. Serve it with Louisiana hot sauce and with thick wedges of cornbread, and any of your favorite southern sides. We love classics like coleslaw, hushpuppies, collard greens, and fried green tomatoes. It’s also great to enjoy as a side dish! Pair the rice with low country boil (or broil) or grilled ham steaks for a super hearty meal that is sure to please.
What meat is best to make Cajun dirty rice?
We like to use classic lean ground beef, but you can also try it with ground chicken (thigh is best), chopped chicken livers, chicken gizzards, ground pork, or pork sausage.
Is Cajun rice the same as dirty rice?
Yes! Cajun rice and dirty rice are the same thing, and refer to the same type of rice. The best Cajun rice is packed with bold Cajun flavors and spices, which causes the color of the rice to look brown. That is why sometimes it is called dirty rice, too!
How do you make a vegetarian and vegan recipe for dirty rice?
Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative. Alternatively, you can use two cans of drained and rinsed kidney beans to make this recipe. Then use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and oil instead of butter.
How can I make this dirty rice healthier?
This cajun dirty rice recipe is pretty well balanced with veggies and protein and carbs, but you can definitely swap out the rice for brown rice if you prefer! If using brown rice, add an extra cup and a half of broth!
How long do leftovers last?
This Cajun fried rice recipe is wonderful to make ahead. All of the bold, spicy flavors get more intense as the ingredients sit together! Let the rice cool and transfer to an airtight container, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water added. Or microwave and stir in short bursts until heated throughout.
Can You Freeze Dirty Rice?
You can store this cajun dirty rice recipe in the freezer for up to 3 months, only once though. Make sure to allow the rice to cool to room temperature before storing it in the freezer.
Looking For More One Pot Meals? Be Sure To Also Try These Easy Recipes:
One-Pot Shrimp Black Bean Rice Skillet Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Rice Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mushroom Skillet Nana’s Epic Chicken and Rice
Check the printable recipe card below for the nutrition information including calories, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, and vitamin c percentages.
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