Description
This Southern Style Dirty Rice is a bold and savory one-pan meal made with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and Cajun spices. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and gatherings. Serve it as a main dish or alongside cornbread and greens for a comforting Southern spread.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon oil or butter
1 pound ground beef
1/4 pound chicken livers (optional), finely chopped
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef or chicken broth
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Chop the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and chicken livers (if using). Rinse the rice if needed.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add ground beef (and livers if using), breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
3. Drain excess grease if necessary, then add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
5. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to toast the spices for 1–2 minutes.
6. Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat with seasonings. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
8. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
For the most authentic flavor, use homemade Cajun seasoning and chicken livers.
Day-old rice works great if you’re repurposing leftovers—just adjust the broth amount slightly.
For added heat, stir in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce toward the end of cooking.