Dirty rice is a classic Creole dish that can be served as a side or an entree. This version has beef and pork sausage and is so easy to make!
What is dirty rice?
The reason we call this rice dish "dirty" is because cooking it with small bits of beef, pork, or minced chicken livers can give the originally white rice a brownish color. I chose to make it without chicken livers, so this rice is pretty light in color.
The meat used can vary, but it always includes the "holy trinity" of Cajun and Creole cooking: green bell pepper, onions, and celery. It also always includes a Creole or Cajun seasoning like Tony Chachere's, which is our personal favorite and we use it in a ton of dishes.
This Jambalaya Recipe and Shrimp Etouffee are two more classics that wouldn't be the same without our favorite Tony C's seasoning!
How do you make dirty rice?
First, cook ground beef and ground pork sausage in a heavy pot. Then, add in the holy trinity, garlic, and seasonings. Once the veggies are starting to get soft, add rice and chicken broth. Let it come to a boil, and then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked.
Seriously, that's it! I told you it was easy... garnish with green onions and serve it with hot sauce so it can be spiced to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's also called Cajun Rice or Cajun Dirty Rice
It can be spicy or not, according to your preference. If you make it with a hot sausage that's certainly going to add some spice. Otherwise, the main heat will come from the seasoning blend and anything added by each diner according to preference, like hot sauce. Our Spicy Mexican Rice has heat that can be dialed up or down too.
Our version is made from all natural, pure ingredients, so it's definitely healtheir than most mixes out of a box.
Any type of salad, or cooked vegetable pairs well. Favorites are old fashioned Ambrosia Salad or a platter with a selection of munchies, including Pickled Okra.
Main Dishes to go with Dirty Rice
Main dishes to serve with it include Blackened Salmon, Creamy Cajun Pork Chops, Grilled Blackened Chicken, and Grilled Cajun Wings, and if you're feeling festive, try your hand at making a classic New Orleans Hurricane!
If you want a second rice option be sure to check out Red Beans and Rice. It's a traditional Creole favorite.
Scroll down to the bottom for even more ideas.
📖 Recipe
Easy Dirty Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- 1 cup celery sliced
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups rice
- green onions for garnish
- hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Add ground beef and sausage to a heavy bottomed pan over medium heat. Cook 4-5 minutes until no pink remains.
- Add onion, garlic, green pepper, celery, Cajun seasoning, salt, and bay leaves. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered about 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with green onions and serve with hot sauce.
If you love all foods from the south like we do you'll want to read Southern Food: Then & Now. It'a detailed look at the origin of our ingredients and recipes, as well as a look into what the future may hold for southern food.
If you make any of our recipes we'd love for you to leave us a comment and star rating. If you're into sharing your creations, snap a photo and tag us when you post it to Facebook or Instagram.
Try these other Cajun and Creole recipes!
Angela Allison says
YUM! I love this recipe. My kids gobbled it up! What a perfect combination of flavors. Will definitely make dirty rice again!
Pam says
Yay! We love hearing that.
Beth says
My husband loves this recipe! It's one of his favorites! Can't wait to make this again!
Pam says
Happy to hear it. Thanks, Beth!
Gloria says
This is such a great side dish. Great with lots of proteins. I can even make a meal of it all on it's own.
Pam says
Yes, we can make a meal off of it too. Thanks, Gloria!
Pris says
This looks amazing, so comforting!! reminds me of a southern Brazilian gaúcho dish, made with rice and left over barbecue or cured meat, called carreteiro. I imagine different countries have their own versions of dirty rice! Will try yours soon 🙂
Pam says
That sounds awesome too. Will have to look up carreteiro. Thanks, Pris!
Toni says
This is absolutely amazing! Love how tasty it is!
Pam says
Thanks so much, Toni!
RosieD says
Did u use regular rice or instant rice- looks delicious
Sara says
Thanks! I used regular white rice.
Dawna Johnson says
Do you have to use hamburger meat and sausage, only asking because I only have sausages??
Pam says
Absolutely, I would make it with just sausage if that's what you have. We're big believers in using what you have on hand.
Charlotte Hall says
If I were to include chicken livers, how much? This looks awesome!
Sara says
Thanks so much, Charlotte! If you're going to add them, I would probably sub them for one of the other meats. For example, only use 1/2 lb of ground beef, and then add in 1/2 pound of livers. Be sure to chop them up finely!