Description
This Shortcut Dirty Rice recipe offers a flavorful and hearty dish combining spicy ground beef and sausage with aromatic vegetables and Creole seasoning. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it uses readily available ingredients and simmers everything together for a rich, tasty rice dish with a Cajun twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Fat
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease (or another neutral oil like vegetable oil)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground sausage (like Jimmy Dean or Tennessee Pride)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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)
- 3 green onions (sliced thin)
Grains and Liquids
- 2 cups converted or parboiled rice
- 3 1/2 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the fat: Heat the bacon grease in a large skillet or large dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the onions become translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it, about 1 minute.
- Cook the meats: Add the ground beef and ground sausage to the skillet. Season lightly with Creole or Cajun seasoning. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Continue until the meat begins to brown, approximately 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the uncooked rice until well combined with the meat mixture. Stir frequently to toast the rice in the rendered fat for about 5 minutes, which enhances flavor.
- Add broth and simmer: Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Finish and garnish: Taste and add more Creole seasoning or salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- Using parboiled rice helps ensure the rice cooks perfectly while simmering without becoming mushy.
- Adjust the amount of Creole or Cajun seasoning to match your preferred spice level.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked meat if you prefer a less greasy dish.
- For gluten-free version, ensure the beef broth and sausage are gluten-free.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed greens or a fresh salad to balance the richness.
