Name: Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken, beef, or sausage; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked); 3 cups chicken broth; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste); 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp thyme (optional); 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste); 1 bay leaf; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish); Hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cajun Dirty Rice is a flavorful, hearty dish that brings the essence of Louisiana’s Creole and Cajun cuisine right to your table. It’s a savory rice dish made with ground meat, vegetables, and bold spices, creating a deeply satisfying meal. Perfect as a side dish or as a main course, Cajun Dirty Rice is full of flavor, making it a beloved comfort food in Southern cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cajun Dirty Rice recipe is packed with bold flavors, rich textures, and a variety of spices that transport you straight to the heart of Cajun cuisine. It combines ground meat (usually chicken), rice, and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery, seasoned with Cajun spices to give it that signature kick. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and can be served as a side dish or as a meal in itself. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a weeknight dinner, this dish will surely impress.

Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound ground beef (or sausage, or a combination)
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (red or green)
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the rice:
Begin by cooking the rice. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
Cook the meat:
While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the vegetables:
Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until it becomes aromatic.
Season the mixture:
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix everything together until the spices are well incorporated.
Add the rice and broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Finish and serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving.
Serve:
Serve your Cajun Dirty Rice hot as a main dish or alongside other Cajun favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, or fried chicken.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage or omit the meat entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots for a hearty vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy Dirty Rice: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the rice for extra heat.
Seafood Version: Swap the ground beef for shrimp or crawfish to create a seafood-inspired dirty rice.
Add More Meat: For a heartier version, add additional meats like chicken gizzards, livers, or ground turkey.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Cajun Dirty Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen it up. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a little liquid if necessary.

FAQs

Can I make Cajun Dirty Rice without meat?

Yes, you can make Cajun Dirty Rice without meat. Simply replace the meat with additional vegetables or beans for a vegetarian version. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes if desired.

What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used in Cajun and Creole cooking. It typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and sometimes salt. You can find it in most grocery stores or make your own by combining these spices.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice in place of white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Cajun Dirty Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more flavorful. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Cajun Dirty Rice?

Yes, you can freeze Cajun Dirty Rice. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I serve with Cajun Dirty Rice?

Cajun Dirty Rice pairs wonderfully with dishes like gumbo, fried chicken, grilled shrimp, or a simple green salad. It also makes a great side dish to complement a variety of Cajun and Southern-style meals.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the rice spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced fresh jalapeños. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage in place of ground beef. For a more authentic touch, try incorporating chicken livers or gizzards, as they are often used in traditional dirty rice recipes.

What is the origin of dirty rice?

Dirty rice is a traditional Creole dish from Louisiana. It gets its name from the “dirty” color of the rice, which comes from the spices, seasonings, and ground meat that color the rice during cooking.

Can I add beans to Cajun Dirty Rice?

Yes, beans like kidney beans or black beans can be added for extra protein and texture. You can mix them into the rice toward the end of cooking to heat through.

Conclusion

Cajun Dirty Rice is a bold, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, it’s packed with savory ingredients, hearty textures, and a little kick from the Cajun spices. It’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys Southern or Creole cuisine. This dish will bring the warmth and comfort of Louisiana right into your home!