Dirty rice pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which adds a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. You might also consider serving it alongside some crusty bread to soak up any extra juices. For a more traditional Southern meal, collard greens or cornbread would make excellent accompaniments.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green or red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green or red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
2. While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño along with the other vegetables. If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground pork or a combination of both for a different flavor profile. To make this dish more traditional, consider adding chopped chicken livers or gizzards, which are often used in authentic dirty rice recipes. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.