Can I use brown rice instead of converted rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. If using brown rice, increase broth to 4 cups and cooking time to 40-45 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure there's enough liquid.

What if I don't have Creole or Cajun seasoning?

Make your own by combining equal parts paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, with smaller amounts of dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Start with 1 teaspoon of your blend and adjust to taste.

Is dirty rice supposed to be spicy?

Traditional dirty rice has some heat, but you can easily control the spice level by adjusting the amount of Creole seasoning. Start with less if you're sensitive to heat—you can always add more at the end.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the meats with a combination of chopped mushrooms and plant-based ground "meat." Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The texture will be different, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Shortcut Dirty Rice Recipe

Name: Shortcut Dirty Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon bacon grease (or another neutral oil like vegetable oil); 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups); 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup); 2 ribs celery, diced (about 1/2 cup); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 pound ground sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or Tennessee Pride); 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning (or more to taste); 2 cups converted or parboiled rice; 3 1/2 cups beef broth; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 3 green onions, sliced thin (for garnish)

Description

Shortcut Dirty Rice is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish packed with juicy ground beef, savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice. This recipe is inspired by classic Cajun cuisine, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort—perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon bacon grease (or another neutral oil like vegetable oil)
1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
2 ribs celery, diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound ground sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or Tennessee Pride)

Seasoning, Rice, and Garnish

1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
2 cups converted or parboiled rice
3 1/2 cups beef broth
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
3 green onions, sliced thin (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat the Oil
Heat the bacon grease or neutral oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. The oil will act as the base for cooking the vegetables and meats.
Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently until the onions become translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Brown the Meats
Add the ground beef and sausage to the skillet. Lightly season with Creole seasoning. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook while stirring and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the meat begins to brown, around 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if desired.
Toast the Rice
Stir the uncooked rice into the meat and vegetable mixture, ensuring it is well combined. Continue stirring frequently to toast the rice in the rendered fat for about 5 minutes, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
Simmer the Dish
Gradually add the beef broth to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet tightly and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finalize and Garnish
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional Creole seasoning or salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving, adding a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

For additional flavor, try using smoked sausage in place of regular ground sausage.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or stovetop.
If you prefer extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce while cooking.
Avoid using long-grain rice as it may not fully cook in the time allotted; converted or parboiled rice works best for consistent results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 85mg