Name: Ground Beef Dirty Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 3/4 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper, to taste; Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Looking for a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed meal to spice up your dinner rotation? Look no further than this delicious Ground Beef Dirty Rice recipe! Bursting with savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create this satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

2 celery stalks, diced

1 onion, diced

01 green bell pepper, diced

1 3/4 cups beef broth

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Brown the Ground Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Sauté the Aromatics: Next, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.

Add the Rice and Spices: Once the vegetables are tender, add the long-grain white rice to the skillet, along with the beef broth, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.

Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Let it Rest: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a perfectly fluffy texture.

Garnish and Serve: After resting, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish it with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color. Then, dish it up and enjoy every delicious bite!

Serving Tips:

Pair with a Side: Serve your Ground Beef Dirty Rice alongside a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Add a Kick: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over individual servings.

Customize with Condiments: Set out a variety of condiments such as salsa, sour cream, or diced tomatoes for guests to customize their bowls according to their taste preferences.

Serve Family-Style: Transfer the Dirty Rice to a large serving bowl and let everyone help themselves for a cozy, communal dining experience.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Allow any leftover Dirty Rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life, portion the cooled Dirty Rice into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw frozen Dirty Rice overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Refreshing: If the rice seems dry after storage, revive it by adding a bit of extra broth or water before reheating to restore its moisture and flavor.

Related Recipes:

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional for this recipe, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time and seasoning according to your chosen protein.

I don’t have beef broth on hand. Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead?

Yes, you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for beef broth if needed. While beef broth adds a rich depth of flavor, the other options will still work well and impart their own delicious taste to the dish. Feel free to use whichever broth you prefer or have readily available.

Can I make Ground Beef Dirty Rice in advance for meal prep?

Absolutely! Ground Beef Dirty Rice is an excellent meal prep option. Simply cook a batch according to the recipe, let it cool completely, then portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer-term storage.

Is Ground Beef Dirty Rice spicy?

The level of spiciness in Ground Beef Dirty Rice can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. The recipe includes cayenne pepper for a hint of heat, but you can increase or decrease the amount according to your desired level of spiciness. Additionally, you can omit the cayenne pepper altogether if you prefer a milder dish. Feel free to customize the spice level to your liking!

Conclusion:

With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch of flavorful Ground Beef Dirty Rice that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this recipe is a winner every time. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your skillet, and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious!