Description
Classic Dirty Rice is a flavorful one-skillet Southern comfort dish made with ground beef, optional chicken livers, rice, and the bold seasonings of Cajun cuisine. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect as a side or standalone main.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 pound chicken livers, finely chopped (optional)
1 small onion, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked long grain white rice
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chicken livers, cooking until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Add diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
4. Add cooked rice and stir until all ingredients are combined and rice is warmed through.
5. Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions and parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Using day-old rice enhances the texture and prevents it from turning mushy.
Chicken livers add authentic depth, but you can skip them or substitute with sausage or turkey.
Adjust heat level by choosing a spicy or mild Cajun seasoning or adding cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: dirty rice, classic dirty rice, cajun rice, rice skillet, southern dinner