Name: Quick and Tasty Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup long grain white rice; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 2 cups beef broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)

Dirty rice with ground beef is the kind of weeknight dinner that brings flavor without the fuss. It comes together in one pan, using simple ingredients, and packs all the Cajun-inspired goodness you’d expect from a Southern classic. Each spoonful is filled with tender beef, aromatic spices, and hearty rice that makes it nearly impossible to stop at one serving.

The best part? This dish isn’t just easy and budget-friendly, it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you want to keep it mild for the kids or add extra heat for yourself, you can tailor this recipe to your taste. Perfect for busy nights when you want something fast but satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

This dish delivers serious comfort with every bite. It uses ground beef as a quick protein, making the cooking process faster than traditional dirty rice with chicken livers. Plus, all the seasoning blends right into the rice for maximum flavor with minimal effort. If you’re craving something savory, filling, and bold, this is a one-pot wonder worth bookmarking.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

Long grain white rice is the best choice for this recipe because it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together. You could use jasmine or basmati for a fragrant twist, but avoid short grain or sushi rice, which can turn mushy. Leftover cooked rice can work too—just reduce the broth and adjust cook time.

Ingredients for the Quick and Tasty Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

The ingredients for dirty rice are straightforward, but each one plays an important role in building deep flavor.

Ground beef adds savory richness and protein to the dish. Choose lean beef to avoid excess grease.

Long grain white rice cooks up fluffy and holds its texture well, soaking in all the seasonings.

Bell pepper gives a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the savory flavors.

Celery adds a traditional Cajun backbone and enhances the dish’s aroma.

Onion brings sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef and veggies.

Garlic boosts the umami flavor and adds a warm, aromatic kick.

Cajun seasoning infuses the rice with signature bold and spicy notes.

Beef broth acts as the cooking liquid, deepening the flavor and helping the rice absorb all the spices.

Bay leaf offers subtle herbal notes that elevate the dish without overpowering it.

Quick and Tasty Dirty Rice with Ground Beef 2

How To Make the Quick and Tasty Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a touch of oil. Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Season and Stir

Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and give everything a good mix so the beef and veggies are coated with spice.

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Pour in the uncooked rice and beef broth, then toss in a bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Remove the bay leaf and give the rice a good fluff with a fork. Serve hot and enjoy every bite.

Serving and Storing Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion size. It makes a great weeknight meal or a hearty side dish for gatherings. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better the next day. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.

What to Serve With Dirty Rice?

H3: Buttermilk Cornbread

Soft, slightly sweet cornbread adds the perfect contrast to the spice of dirty rice.

H3: Southern Coleslaw

Crunchy and creamy, this side brings a cool balance to the warm flavors of the dish.

H3: Fried Okra

A Southern staple that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.

H3: Baked Cajun Chicken Wings

Double down on bold flavors with some spicy oven-baked wings.

H3: Garlic Butter Green Beans

Quick, fresh, and adds a pop of green to the plate.

H3: Cheesy Garlic Bread

If you’re in the mood for something rich and indulgent, garlic bread never fails.

H3: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Light and refreshing, this salad is a crisp counterpart to the hearty rice.

Want More One-Pot Dinner Ideas?

If this dirty rice won your heart, check out some of these flavor-packed favorites from the blog:

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a Tex-Mex twist with creamy comfort.
Cajun Potato Soup that brings the heat in a cozy, creamy way.
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta to satisfy your spicy pasta cravings.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for an easy family dinner classic.
Flavorful Jailhouse Rice if you’re after a savory baked version of this rice dish.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime.

I’d love to know if you added your own spin! Did you throw in some sausage? Maybe a dash of hot sauce? Drop a comment and share how you made it your own.

Explore more quick weeknight recipes and cozy meal ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover what to cook next.

Conclusion

Quick and Tasty Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a go-to comfort dish that checks all the boxes: flavorful, easy, and adaptable. Whether you need a solo dinner or a crowd-pleaser, this one-skillet wonder will never disappoint.