Description
Craving a quick dinner that’s hearty, full of Southern flavor, and made with pantry staples? This Southern Style Dirty Rice is a savory one-pan meal loaded with ground beef, Cajun spice, fluffy white rice, and vegetables. It’s an easy recipe for busy weeknights, a healthy snack option with a bold twist, or part of your comfort-filled dinner ideas lineup. Simple, soul-warming, and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chicken livers, finely chopped (optional)
1 cup onion, diced
1 cup bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned. If using, stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped chicken livers and cook for another 3–4 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add 3 cups cooked white rice. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat and let it warm for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley. Serve hot and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Use day-old rice to prevent clumping and keep the texture just right.
You can skip the chicken livers if preferred—they add richness but aren’t required.
For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: dirty rice, Cajun rice, easy dinner, Southern food, weeknight meal