This quick and easy Dirty Rice Recipe, also known as Cajun rice, combines ground beef, ground sausage, onion, celery, green pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and rice into an abundantly flavorful side dish. It is always a huge hit that is hearty enough to serve as a main dish if desired.
This recipe is so full of flavor that it is sure to impress. I love to serve this Louisiana-style dish with homemade hush puppies, fried okra, Cajun gumbo, and Creole jambalaya. Treat your family or friends to a bowl, sit back, and listen to the praises.
Are you looking for an authentic and easy dirty rice recipe? Look no further! This recipe includes all the traditional ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite. It is one of our favorite rice dishes with tons of Cajun flavors. It takes less than thirty minutes to prepare and is one of my most loved Cajun dishes.
What is Dirty Rice?
It is a classic Cajun side dish with long-grain rice, flavorful and savory spices, onions, celery, and green peppers, commonly known as the holy trinity of Cajun cooking. The name “dirty” comes from the overall color that the rice takes on after cooking with ground beef, pork sausage, Cajun seasoning,
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is best
- Long-grain white rice: Such as basmati or jasmine
- Ground beef: Use ground beef with a bit of fat in it. Fat gives the dish flavor.
- Ground pork sausage: I use a mild-flavored one like Jimmy Dean’s All-Natural.
- Vegetables: Use the holy trinity, which consists of onion, celery, and green bell pepper, plus garlic and green onions.
- Chicken livers: They are optional, but they are an authentic ingredient.
- Seasonings: Cajun or Creole seasoning and fresh parsley
How to make Dirty Rice
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
Start by bringing a pot of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, add the rice and bay leaf. Stir to combine, letting it return to a boil. Then, turn it to simmer, cover, and cook until the rice is tender. Next, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. Then, fluff with a fork and remove the bay leaf.
While the rice is cooking, brown the ground beef and pork sausage in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. When it is about halfway through the browning process, add the onions, celery, peppers, and chicken livers (if using), cooking until the veggies are tender and the meat is no longer pink. Then reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, cooking for a minute while stirring constantly.
Now stir in the Cajun seasoning, chicken broth, and rice. Then add the chopped parsley and green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Preparation Tips
- I cook the rice in chicken broth to give it more flavor. If you are in a pinch, try minute rice cooked in chicken broth. It is quick and easy, and it cooks up well every time.
- The rice can be cooked up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Chop your onions, celery, and peppers (also known as the Holy Trinity) fine so you get a little bit in every bite.
- You can use either Cajun or Creole seasoning. For a more robust flavor, make your seasoning.
More Cajun Recipes
Dirty Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 4½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice like basmati
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 rib celery chopped
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
- ½ cup finely minced chicken livers optional
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 green onions finely sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the rice and bay leaf. Stir to combine, letting it return to a boil. Turn it to simmer, cover and cook until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff with a fork and remove the bay leaf.
- Brown the ground beef and pork sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is about halfway through the browning process, add the onions, celery, green pepper, and chicken livers (if using), cooking until the vegetables are tender.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, 1 /2 cup chicken broth, and rice. Add the chopped parsley and green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power or on the stovetop over low heat.
- To freeze, fully cool, then store in a sturdy container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power or on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition
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Laura Levitan
This recipe looks amazing. You call it a side dish. But does it have to be? Cajun dirty rice looks like a main course meal to me. I can’t wait to give it a try!
Beth Pierce
You can eat it as a side dish or as a main course. Enjoy!!
Maureen Lambert
Such a simple dish that packs a punch! I love how easy it was to make and the whole family enjoyed it. It makes a great lunch or dinner!
Kayla
We love the dirty rice. I did include the chicken livers to make it Louisiana stlye authentic. Thanks for the tasty recipe. This is a keeper.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Kayla!
Kerry
The best dirty rice I have had in some time. Reminds me of my vacation down south to Louisiana. Good food can bring back such wonderful memories.
Beth Pierce
So true, Kerry!
Zaria
This dirty rice is a regular at our house. I make it about twice a month. I love to serve it with cornbread and pan seared andouille sausage. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Beth!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Zaria! I am so glad that you like it!
Lauren
Your dirty rice recipe is my new favorite quick and easy weeknight meal. So much flavor. I love recipes with a ton of flavor. I make it without the chicken livers. Not a fan, sorry!
Beth Pierce
No problem, Lauren! They are optional. I am glad that you like the dirty rice.
Stephanie
I often order dirty rice at one of my fav restaurants but I didn’t know how to make it. Thanks for the recipe and adding this to my list of dishes to make often. It is delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! I agree 100%
Cari
Cannot wait to try your dirty rice recipe and stuff it into some bell peppers!!!
Beth Pierce
Now that sounds delicious! Great idea!
Frank
This is my favorite dirty rice recipe. It is easy to make, tasty, and the family loves it. Thanks for sharing, Beth.
Sangeetha
Oh, I absolutely loved this Dirty Rice recipe! 😍 I must say, it’s not only an incredibly flavorful side dish, but it also stands strong as a satisfying main meal. The heartiness and richness of the dish are simply irresistible. It was a huge hit with my family, and we couldn’t get enough of it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sangeetha! I am so glad that you and your family enjoyed it!