Dirty rice with ground beef and sausage in 1 easy pot

Imagine your kitchen filled with that warm and smoky aroma of Cajun spices and savory meats. It is just the best. This recipe brings the heart of Louisiana straight to your table and I am so excited for you to try it. We are making a classic comfort dish that satisfies every single craving you might have. This version is hearty and filling and it is just perfect for those super busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. You will love how quickly it comes together in just one single pot. We are using beef sausage instead of pork to keep the flavors rich and deep while making sure it is exactly what you want. Every bite gives you that perfect balance of spice and texture.

Why You Will Love This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef and Sausage

You are going to love this recipe because it is a full meal in just one single pan. It has everything you need like protein and grains and vegetables all in one delicious bite. That classic dirty look comes from the beautifully browned meat and spices that coat every single grain of rice. It is a fantastic way to feed a whole crowd without having to spend hours over the stove. You can easily change the heat to fit what your family likes. Plus the leftovers taste even better the next day after all those flavors have had time to hang out together.

Ingredients for Dirty Rice with Ground Beef and Sausage

Here is what you need to get that authentic flavor. We are using beef sausage and beef broth to keep things rich and savory without any pork or alcohol.

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound beef sausage sliced into rounds
• 1 large yellow onion finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 2 stalks celery chopped which is the famous Holy Trinity of Cajun cooking
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups long grain white rice that has been rinsed
• 3 cups beef broth because we use beef broth instead of wine for a deep savory base
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for a little garnish
• 2 green onions sliced up thin

How to Make Dirty Rice with Ground Beef and Sausage

Making this dish really only takes a few simple steps. You will start by browning your meats to get that deep flavor base started. Then you will soften your vegetables in the fats left in the pan. Finally you just simmer everything together until the rice is tender and fluffy. Timing is everything here so expect the whole thing to take about 40 minutes from the time you start until you eat.

Preparing the Meat for Dirty Rice with Ground Beef and Sausage

Grab a large skillet or a Dutch oven and put it over medium high heat. Add your ground beef and your sliced beef sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break that ground beef into small crumbles. Cook the meat until it is totally browned and there is no pink left. Those little browned bits at the bottom of the pan are where the flavor lives. Once it is cooked take the meat out and put it on a plate for a minute. Leave about two tablespoons of the fat in the pan to cook your veggies.

Simmering the Dirty Rice with Ground Beef and Sausage

Throw your onion and bell pepper and celery into that same pan. Sauté them for about five minutes until they get soft. Stir in your garlic and those Cajun spices. Now put the meat back into the pan with your rinsed rice and pour in the beef broth. Give it one good stir to mix it all up. Bring the liquid to a boil and then immediately turn the heat down to low. Cover the pan with a lid that fits tight. Let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes and please do not lift the lid. If you lift the lid the steam escapes and you might end up with crunchy rice. Once the time is up take it off the heat and let it sit covered for five more minutes.

Expert Tips for the Best Dirty Rice with Ground Beef and Sausage

• Always rinse your rice under cold water until that water runs clear. This gets rid of extra starch so your rice does not get gummy.
• If you like things a bit spicier just add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some extra Cajun seasoning.
• Try to use a heavy bottomed pot so the heat spreads out evenly and you do not burn the bottom.
• We use beef broth instead of wine to keep this recipe family friendly while still having a very bold flavor.
• If the rice looks a little too dry when you are done just add a splash more broth and cover it for a few more minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dirty Rice with Ground Beef and Sausage

Can I use brown rice for this recipe

Yes you can use brown rice but you will need to add more beef broth and give it more time to cook. Brown rice usually takes about 45 minutes to get soft.

How do I store leftovers

Put your cooled rice in a container that seals tight. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a little splash of water so it stays moist.

Can I freeze this dish

You definitely can. This recipe freezes really well. Let it cool all the way before you put it in freezer bags. It stays good for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before you heat it up again.

Is this dish very spicy

The spice level really depends on what brand of Cajun seasoning you buy. Most of them are very flavorful but not too hot. You can always start with a little bit and add more at the end if you want more kick.

Estimated Nutritional Information

This recipe makes enough for about 6 people. These numbers are just estimates for each serving.

• Calories 445 kcal
• Total Fat 18g
• Saturated Fat 7g
• Cholesterol 65mg
• Sodium 890mg
• Total Carbohydrates 42g
• Dietary Fiber 2g
• Sugars 3g
• Protein 28g

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