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HomeFoodClassic Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe (Easy & Flavorful)

Classic Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe (Easy & Flavorful)

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Why is it called “dirty” rice? The rice gets brown as it cooks with meat, Cajun spices, and the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: onion, bell pepper, and celery. My version combines ground pork and beef for a flavorful twist on this Louisiana classic!

Dirty rice with meat and veggies being served with a wooden spoon.Dirty rice with meat and veggies being served with a wooden spoon.

Cajun Comfort in One Skillet

  • One-Pan: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means big flavor and easy cleanup.
  • Leftover Rice Saver: The tastiest way to use up leftover rice!
  • Fast & Filling: Comes together quickly but hearty enough to be a full meal.
  • Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that stretch a long way without breaking the bank.

A Reader’s Review

Who knew dinner could be so simple! I only used ground beef because I didn’t have any ground pork.

– Connie

Dirty Rice Ingredients

Overhead shot of labeled dirty rice ingredients. Overhead shot of labeled dirty rice ingredients.
  • Protein: For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef and pork.
  • Add Some Kick! Spice it up by adding some cayenne pepper before simmering. Or top with some hot sauce when serving.

How to Make Cajun Dirty Rice

There is something so comforting about making Dirty rice. I LOVE Cajun seasonings, and this Cajun rice recipe is one of my favorites. It’s fast, simple, super budget-friendly, and a great way to use up leftover rice!

  1. Cook Meat: In a large pot, cook and crumble the ground beef and pork on medium-high heat until no longer pink.
  2. Add Vegetables & Seasonings: Add in the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste. Cook until they start to soften.
  3. Rice & Broth: Add the white rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low.
  4. Cover & Simmer: Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Fluff, stir, and serve alongside my yummy hush puppies!

Alyssa’s Pro Tip

Keep the lid on while the rice cooks! Steam is the secret to evenly cooked, fluffy grains that fully absorb the Cajun spices..

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Storage and Reheat Instructions
  • Refrigerator: Store rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 5–6 days.
  • Freezer: Cool rice completely, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container labeled with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Thaw rice in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm it in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stove over medium heat until warm.

Calories: 361kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 19gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 582mgPotassium: 478mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 711IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Dirty rice in a bowl with a spoon. Dirty rice in a bowl with a spoon.

More Cajun Recipes To Try

If you love Cajun flavor in this dirty rice, then try my Cajun baked cod, Cajun shrimp, and Grilled lobster tails! Here are a few more Cajun recipes to try!

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