Name: Dirty Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice; 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef ); 1/2 cup chicken giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), finely chopped or puréed (optional); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 2–3 tbsp Creole or Cajun seasoning (to taste); Salt, to taste; 2 tbsp oil, butter, or cooking fat; Optional garnish: chopped parsley or scallions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, savory flavor with a little spice – satisfying comfort food.
Versatile: works as a side dish or a main when you add more protein.
You can adapt it to your taste (omit giblets, use different meats, adjust spice).
One‑pan or one‑pot possibility makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Long‑grain white rice
Ground meat (beef, or both)
Optional: chicken giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), finely chopped or puréed
Onion
Cellicy
Green bell pepper
Garlic
Chicken broth (or stock)
Creole or Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, sage, etc.)
Salt
Oil or fat for cooking (butter, or neutral oil)
Optional garnish: parsley or scallions

Directions

Cook the rice separately: rinse, then cook in salted water (or a bit of broth) until tender and fluffy. Set aside.
In a large skillet or pot, heat oil (or fat). Add the ground meats, brown them well, breaking up into small bits.
If using giblets or liver, cook them until done, then mince or purée them. Add to the meat mixture.
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened. Stir in garlic.
Season with Creole seasoning (paprika, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, etc.) and salt. Adjust to taste.
Pour in chicken broth; let mixture simmer so flavors marry, and some of the broth reduces.
Fold in the cooked rice. Mix thoroughly so the rice absorbs flavor and picks up the brown “dirty” color from the meat/seasonings.
Let it simmer a few more minutes to meld everything. Garnish with parsley or chopped scallions before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves about 4‑6 as a side dish; more if paired with additional dishes.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes.
Cooking time: ~30‑45 minutes (longer if using giblets and if simmering broth).
Total time: roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Good for 3‑4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s dry. Microwave works too, but texture is better when reheated slowly.

FAQs

What meats are traditional, and can I omit giblets?

Traditionally, chicken liver or other giblets are used for depth of flavor. But many modern versions omit them, using just ground beef . It’s fine to leave them out if you prefer.

How spicy is Dirty Rice, and how can I adjust heat?

It can be made mild or spicy depending on how much cayenne or hot seasoning you add. If you’re sensitive, start with a small amount of spice, taste, and increase as desired.

Can I use brown rice or other rice types?

Yes, though cooking times may change. Brown rice takes longer to cook and may require more liquid. Also, the flavor and texture will be different (chewier, nuttier).

Is it better cooked in one pot or separately?

Cooking rice separately gives better control over rice texture (so it’s fluffy). Then fold it into the meat/vegetable mixture. One‑pot versions do exist but risk mushy rice if not careful.

Can this be vegetarian or vegan?

Yes. Substitute meat with plant‑based crumbles or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth. Replace fat with oil or vegan butter. Adjust seasoning to boost umami (e.g. soy sauce, mushrooms).

What side dishes go well with Dirty Rice?

Greens (collard, mustard), fried okra, cornbread, barbecued meats, beans, or a crisp salad all pair well.

How do I keep the rice from being too dry or too wet?

If it’s too dry, add a little broth when reheating or during mixing. If too wet, let it simmer uncovered to reduce moisture. Use proper ratios of liquid to rice and don’t over‑cook.

Can I freeze leftover Dirty Rice?

Yes. Freeze in airtight containers. When reheating, do so gently with a splash of broth to restore moisture. Texture might be a little looser after freezing.

How much seasoning should I use?

It depends on your taste and which seasoning mix you’re using. If your Creole or Cajun seasoning has salt already, use less added salt. Taste as you go.

Conclusion

Dirty Rice is a flavor‑packed, satisfying dish with roots in Creole and Cajun cooking. Whether you make it traditional with giblets, keep it simple with beef and sausage, or adapt it for vegans, it’s flexible, comforting, and full of bold taste. A great addition to your recipe repertoire.

Dirty Rice