Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice

Introduction

I recently made Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice for a family dinner, and it was a huge success! The combination of shrimp, sausage, and ground beef, along with the bold flavors from the seasonings and broth, created a dish that was both hearty and flavorful. The rice absorbed all the delicious flavors, making every bite satisfying. I love how versatile this recipe is—it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, and it’s filling enough to be served as a main dish. The addition of shrimp adds a wonderful seafood twist to the traditional dirty rice, making it even more special. Everyone in my family went back for seconds, and I’m sure it will become a regular meal in our rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice Recipe

Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. The mix of ground beef and sausage provides a hearty base, while the shrimp adds a fresh, flavorful bite. The blend of spices, including seafood seasoning, oregano, garlic, and thyme, brings out rich, savory flavors that will leave you craving more. This dish is perfect for a family meal, and the one-pan cooking process makes it easy to prepare. It’s a great combination of protein, veggies, and rice, all seasoned to perfection. If you’re looking for a filling, flavorful dish that’s a crowd-pleaser, this Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice will not disappoint!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground sausage
• 10-12 shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, chopped
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)

Instructions

1. Season & Cook the Shrimp:
   Begin by seasoning the shrimp with the seafood seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, until they are pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Brown the ground beef and sausage together over medium heat, breaking them up as they cook. Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Seasonings & Flour:
   Stir in the oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to incorporate it. The flour helps thicken the broth later in the recipe.
4. Simmer with Broth:
   Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the broth to thicken slightly.
5. Combine with Rice:
   Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine everything thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the rice can absorb all the flavors from the broth and seasonings.
6. Finish with Shrimp:
   Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently stir them in. Allow the shrimp to heat through for about 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
• Calories per Serving: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 160mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Course: This Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice is filling enough to be served as a stand-alone main course. Pair it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• For Meal Prep: This recipe makes excellent leftovers. Store the dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• As a Family Dinner: This dish is great for feeding a crowd, especially since it’s packed with protein and veggies. Serve it in a large bowl and let everyone help themselves.
• With Additional Toppings: If you like extra heat, serve with a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. It also pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Shrimp: While frozen shrimp is a convenient option, fresh shrimp will provide a better texture and flavor. Be sure to peel and devein the shrimp before cooking.
2. Adjust Spice Levels: You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder in the recipe. For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper.
3. Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the mix. Diced tomatoes, zucchini, or peas can all be great additions to this dish.
4. Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet makes this dish easier to cook, preventing the rice and meats from sticking to the pan.
5. Customize the Rice: If you want to make this dish even more flavorful, consider using seasoned rice or adding a little extra garlic and onion to the rice during cooking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of rice?
   Yes, while the recipe calls for cooked white rice, you can substitute it with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the rice type.
2. Can I make this recipe without sausage?
   Absolutely! If you prefer not to use sausage, you can replace it with more ground beef, chicken, or turkey for a lighter version.
3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, frozen shrimp works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain the shrimp before adding them to the skillet.
4. How spicy is this recipe?
   This recipe has a mild level of spice. If you prefer more heat, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, this dish freezes well. Store the cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.
7. Can I add other seafood to the dish?
   Absolutely! You can add other seafood such as crawfish, mussels, or scallops for an even richer seafood flavor.
8. What can I serve with this dish?
   This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or cornbread.
9. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the shrimp, sausage, and ground beef. You can substitute with additional vegetables and plant-based protein.
10. Can I make this dish spicier?
    Yes, you can add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to ramp up the heat and spice level.

Conclusion

Shrimp Sausage Dirty Rice is a flavorful, filling dish that combines hearty meats, seafood, and aromatic spices in one skillet. The combination of shrimp, sausage, and ground beef creates a rich and savory base, while the seasonings and chicken broth add a depth of flavor that makes this dish unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a new weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s simple to make, versatile, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect comfort food to enjoy any time of year!

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