Dirty Rice

Name: Dirty Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 lb. (96% lean) ground beef; 1 lb. loose ground pork sausage; 1 medium green bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 stalks celery, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 tsp. (or more) Cajun seasoning (or 1 tsp. salt-free Cajun seasoning plus 1 tsp. kosher salt); 2 bay leaves; 3 c. cooked white rice; Kosher salt; 6 sprigs parsley, finely chopped; Tabasco sauce, for serving

By Maria DoUpdated: Jan 24, 2024

3 Ratings

preview for Dirty Rice Is A Louisiana Staple Dish For A Reason—Here's Why

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Cal/Serv:

410

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A Louisiana staple, dirty rice (or rice dressing) is the filling and flavorful weeknight dinner we can't get enough of. Made up of a mix of rice, ground pork sausage, ground beef, the holy trinity of vegetables (onion, bell pepper, and celery), and sometimes offal such as liver, this recipe is perfect no matter the occasion or time of year. This recipe leaves out the liver, but doesn't sacrifice any of the flavor. Whether you're serving it as a stuffing to your main or as the star of your dinner, this is a Louisiana classic worth mastering. Here's everything you need to know:

Jambalaya vs. dirty rice:
There are a few differences in terms of ingredients required for these two dishes, but the main difference comes down to the rice. While jambalaya cooks uncooked rice in the meat and vegetable mixture, dirty rice uses pre-cooked white rice that is sautéed with the veggies and meat. The result is much less cohesive and creamy compared to jambalaya.

How to make the best dirty rice:
To make the best dirty rice, I always prefer using leftover cooked rice since the grains will be easier to separate in the pot. Feel free to use that leftover box of takeout rice here! If you cook rice at home, make sure to use a long-grain variety rather than short-grain types, which will be too gluey for this dish.

While many traditional recipes will include livers, I find it a bit harder to source (and they’re not always a crowd-pleaser), so livers are noticeably absent from this recipe. But, that won't make this dish any less enjoyable. The combination of pork sausage and beef provides just enough fat that you won’t even need oil to brown the meats.

Serving dirty rice:
Dirty rice is substantial enough to be enjoyed as a main dish, but is also commonly served as a side dish or as a stuffing for duck, chicken, roast beef or turkey. If serving as a main dish, pair with veggie sides such as green beans, peas, or air fryer okra. However you serve it, we highly recommend serving this dish with some hot sauce (Tabasco, please!) alongside.

Storage & make it ahead:
If you have the time, dirty rice always tastes better the next day; simply reheat before serving. It can be stored in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days.

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Ingredients

1 lb.
(96% lean) ground beef
1 lb.
loose ground pork sausage
1
medium green bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
1
small yellow onion, finely chopped
2
stalks celery, finely chopped
4
cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tsp.
(or more) Cajun seasoning (or 1 tsp. salt-free Cajun seasoning plus 1 tsp. kosher salt)
2
bay leaves
3 cups
cooked white rice
Kosher salt
6
sprigs parsley, finely chopped
Tabasco sauce, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1In a large skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium-high heat, cook beef and sausage, stirring frequently and breaking into bits, until browned, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meat mixture to a medium bowl; discard all but 2 tablespoons fat.
2. Step 2In same skillet over medium-high heat, cook bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaves, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Step 3Return meat mixture to skillet, then add rice. Cook, stirring frequently to break up rice, 3 to 4 minutes. Add more Cajun seasoning, if needed; discard bay leaves.
4. Step 4Transfer rice to a platter. Top with parsley. Serve with Tabasco sauce alongside.