Description
A Southern classic, Louisiana Dirty Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish made with ground pork, beef, and chicken livers (optional). Packed with vegetables, bold Cajun seasoning, and tender rice, this dish is perfect as a side or a main. It’s easy to make and full of deep, smoky flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Meat:
- 1 lb ground pork or beef 🍖
- 1/2 lb chicken livers, finely chopped (optional) 🍗
- For the Rice and Vegetables:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice 🍚
- 1 small onion, finely diced 🧅
- 1 bell pepper, finely diced 🫑
- 2 celery stalks, diced 🌱
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- Seasoning and Broth:
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning 🌶️
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme 🌿
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) 🔥
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 🍲
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil 🛢️
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
- For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, chopped 🌿
- Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
Instructions
- Cook the Meat:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground pork or beef and chicken livers (if using). Cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces, until browned. Season with salt and black pepper. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant. - Season and Simmer:
Stir in Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavor. - Cook the Rice:
Add long-grain rice to the skillet and stir to coat the rice in the meat and spice mixture. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. - Garnish and Serve:
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in chopped green onions and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - Enjoy:
Serve hot as a side dish or main course.
Notes
- Add Sausage: For extra flavor, try adding some andouille sausage to the dish. It adds a nice smoky kick.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use mushrooms, zucchini, or another veggie of choice.
- Substitute Rice: Brown rice can be used instead of white rice. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and the amount of liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, One-pot
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg