Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time to about 45 minutes and may need to add an extra 1/2 cup of broth since brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking.

Is Dirty Rice supposed to be spicy?

Traditional Dirty Rice has a moderate kick, but you can easily adjust the heat level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. The dish should have flavor depth rather than overwhelming heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the meat with a plant-based ground alternative or mushrooms (chopped fine and well-browned). Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian version that still delivers great flavor.

Why is my rice still crunchy after cooking?

This usually happens if the heat was too high, causing the liquid to evaporate before the rice fully cooked. Add a little more broth (1/4 cup at a time), cover, and continue cooking on low heat until the rice is tender.

Dirty Rice Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Dirty Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: Meat; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 pound ground beef; Vegetables; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 1 cup diced green bell pepper; 1 cup diced celery; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Seasonings & Herbs; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 2 fresh thyme sprigs; Salt, to taste; Rice & Broth; 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice; 24 oz beef broth; Garnish (Optional); Green onion, sliced

Description

Dirty Rice is a flavorful Cajun-inspired rice dish made with ground pork, ground beef, vegetables, and classic Creole seasonings. This easy one-pot recipe delivers a savory, meaty meal with incredible depth, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground beef
Vegetables
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup diced celery
3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Herbs
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 fresh thyme sprigs
Salt, to taste
Rice & Broth
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
24 oz beef broth
Garnish (Optional)
Green onion, sliced

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Meat: In a large heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven), cook the ground pork and ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease. For enhanced flavor, let the meat brown well, allowing the edges to darken for a rich, meaty taste.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the browned meat. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Seasonings: Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
Incorporate Rice and Broth: Add the long grain white rice, beef broth, and thyme sprigs to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook until the rice is tender and fully cooked, about 20 minutes.
Finish & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more Cajun seasoning as needed. For added heat, include a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Place cooled servings in freezer-friendly bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring halfway, or reheat in a pan over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Traditional Addition: For authentic dirty rice, add 1/2 cup finely diced chicken livers with the ground meat, or substitute entirely with chicken livers.
Spiciness: Adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 592 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 730 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 63 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 27 g
Cholesterol: 81 mg