This Dirty Rice Recipe is the definition of comfort food! White rice cooks in savory beef broth and combines with sautéed veggies, hot sausage, and lots of herbs and seasonings. Cooked in a single pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes for great meal prep. The only problem is that it’s so delicious that it never lasts long.
What is Dirty Rice?
Dirty rice is a traditional Louisiana Creole dish made with white rice; meat like pork, chicken gizzards or livers, or beef; the “Holy Trinity” (bell peppers, celery, onion), which is essential for any Creole dish; and seasonings. You’re probably wondering why it’s called dirty, and that’s because of the brown “dirt” color it gets after cooking.
A southern comfort food, it’s an easy, family-favorite dish packed with flavor, nutrients, and protein to satisfy your tastebuds and keep you full!
What’s the Difference Between Dirty Rice and Jambalaya?
Both dishes are similar, but there are a few key differences that set them apart. For instance, jambalaya is typically made with sausage, chicken, and seafood. Some Creole-style jambalaya recipes also include tomatoes.
In addition, jambalaya recipes typically use uncooked rice and cook it in the dish. Meanwhile, many traditional dirty rice recipes use cooked rice that is folded into the mixture and simmered to enhance the flavor.
My dirty rice recipe is a mashup between the two, using uncooked rice. However, it features all the classic ingredients and flavors of dirty rice. It’s just made even better thanks to the freshly cooked broth-infused rice!
My recipe is an adaptation from my mom’s dirty rice recipe and let’s just say, she is ALWAYS asked to make the dirty rice at any and all functions. So, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Hot Sausage: This adds protein and the perfect kick of heat. I like to use pork sausage, but any sausage you like best will work.
Oil: Use any oil you like best such as avocado oil or olive oil to sauté the veggies and create a sweet, caramelized taste.
Yellow Onion: Sweeter than white onion, this adds a pungent flavor to the dish.
Bell Peppers: We’re using green bell pepper and red bell pepper to add lots of color and nutrients!
Celery: This is a staple in every dirty rice recipe and complements the other veggies with a subtle, sweet taste.
Garlic: Garlic plays a huge role in creating the bold flavor base we need with this dish! Use at least four cloves of garlic, but feel free to measure with your heart and add a little more. Just make sure to use fresh cloves, and mince them yourself.
Rice: Uncooked long-grain white rice works best for this recipe.
Beef Broth: This cooks the rice, infusing it with a savory flavor you just don’t get with water.
Herbs and Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, Cajun seasoning, and fennel seeds combine to create a classic Cajun flavor with savory, herbaceous flavors and the perfect touch of heat.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a bright, peppery taste to balance some of the heat.
Green Onions: For the finishing touch, use the white and green parts for a garlicky taste and subtle crunch.
How to Make Dirty Rice
Step 1: Heat a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once warm, add about a tablespoon of oil.
Step 2: Next, add the onions, bell peppers, and celery, and sauté for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are translucent and have cooked down.
Step 3: Move the vegetables to one side of the pan, and add your sausage to the empty side. Brown the sausage for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 4: Once browned, stir the sausage with the vegetables, blending everything together.
Step 5: Next, add the garlic, rice, fennel seeds, salt, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, and smoked paprika to the pan. Let the mixture cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pro tip: Adding the rice before the liquid allows it to toast, which aids in the flavor.
Step 6: Add the bay leaves, thyme, and broth to the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil. Then, reduce it to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Step 7: Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chopped parsley and green onion, and dig in!
FAQs
What goes with dirty rice?
The great thing about this dirty rice recipe is that it’s a complete meal on its own! However, if you’re feeling extra hungry or cooking for a crowd, try pairing it with sides like roasted green beans, okra, cabbage, buttermilk biscuits, or cornbread. Growing up, my mom would cook this as a side dish along side Fried Chicken Wings or Fried Chicken Tenders.
How long does this recipe last?
Stored in an airtight container, this recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely, freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, and reheat them in the microwave or a skillet for a quick meal when you’re ready to eat.
Can dirty rice be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, dirty rice can be adapted to be vegetarian or vegan by using plant-based meat substitutes or omitting the meat altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor.
How do I reheat dirty rice?
Reheat dirty rice in the microwave (my recommended method) or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, cover the dish and stir occasionally. On the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out, and heat over medium until warmed through.
Can I make dirty rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, dirty rice can be made in a rice cooker or Instant Pot. Sauté the meats and vegetables first using the sauté function, then add the rice and broth, and cook according to the rice cooker’s or Instant Pot’s instructions.
More Delicious Savory Recipes
- Butter Beans
- Cheddar Cornbread with Scallions and Brown Butter
- Southern Collard Greens
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Cauliflower Au Grain
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Dates
- Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Fried Buttermilk Chicken
I hope you love these Dirty Rice Recipe! It’s savory, spicy, and so delicious. If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @butterloveandsalt on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support Butter, Love & Salt and make it possible for me to continue to create delicious recipes.
Dirty Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot sausage ground
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 stalks celery diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup rice uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 4 bay leaves
- 5 sprigs of thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1/8 tsp fennel seeds
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped (to mix at the end)
- 2 green onions finely chopped (to mix in at the end)
Instructions
- Heat a large pan or dutch oven to medium heat. Once heated, add about 1 tbsp of oil.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and celery and saute for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are translucent and have cooked down.
- Move vegetables to one side of the pan and add your sausage to the empty side of the pan. Brown sausage for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Once browned, stir sausage up with the vegetables. everything together.
- Add garlic, rice, fennel seeds, salt, cajun seasoning, cayenne, and smoked paprika to the pan. Let cook for about 1-2 minute, stirring frequently. Pro tip: Adding the rice before the liquid allows the rice to toast, which aids in the flavor.
- Add bay leaves, thyme, and broth to the pan. Bring liquid to a boil, reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Fluff with a fork, stir in chopped parsley and green onion and serve.
Nutritional Information
Recipe by: Chavez Adams / Butter, Love & Salt | Photography by: Meg McKeehan
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