Louisiana Dirty Rice Southern (Printer-Friendly)
Hearty Southern dirty rice combines ground meats, peppers, and Creole spices for a comforting, flavorful dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meat and Protein
01 -
1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
02 -
1/2 pound ground pork or pork sausage
03 -
4 ounces chicken livers, finely chopped (optional)
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
04 -
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
05 -
1 large green bell pepper, diced
06 -
3 stalks celery, diced
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Rice
08 -
2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Liquids
09 -
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Oils and Fats
10 -
2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
→ Herbs and Seasonings
11 -
2 teaspoons paprika
12 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme
13 -
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
14 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
15 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Finishing Touch
16 -
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Prepare long-grain white rice according to package instructions using water or chicken broth, then fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
02 -
Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add ground beef, ground pork, and optional chicken livers. Break up the meat thoroughly and cook until well browned all over, about 7 to 8 minutes.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables are softened and aromatic, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
04 -
Stir in paprika, dried thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and distribute evenly.
05 -
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pan to release all flavorful bits. Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes. The liquid should reduce slightly and flavors will meld.
06 -
Gently fold the cooked rice into the meat and vegetable mixture. Mix carefully until every grain is coated. Allow to sit on low heat for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
07 -
Turn off the heat. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm directly from the pot.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Dirty rice is exceptionally freezer-friendly; cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. For reheating, add a splash of broth and rewarm gently to retain moisture.
02 -
Cooking the rice separately ensures fluffy, distinct grains and prevents a sticky texture.
03 -
Adjust cayenne pepper for preferred spice level, starting with less and adding to taste.