4.0 from 53 votes

Last Updated on May 27, 2025 by Barbara

Are you looking for the best dirty rice recipe? Dirty rice is a traditional Louisiana Creole dish made with white rice, pork, beef or chicken, green bell pepper, celery, and onion, and seasoned to perfection. The name “dirty rice” comes from the fact that the rice is cooked in the same pot as the meat and vegetables, which ultimately gives it a browned, “dirty” appearance. Dirty rice is a filling and flavorful dish that can often be served as a side dish or as the main dish. Follow along as I share my easy dirty rice recipe.

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Ingredients for Dirty Rice

Parboiled Rice: For this recipe we need the rice to be cooked slightly before simmering with all the other ingredients. Jasmine or Basmati rice are great for this recipe.
Ground Beef and Mild Italian Sausage: The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage adds a unique richness to this recipe.
Chicken Broth: The Chicken Broth helps bring all the flavors of this dish together
Onion, Bell Pepper and Celery: The Holy Trinity of Creole cooking that adds authentic depth and flavor to this dish.
Garlic: Garlic provides a slight sweet flavor that help to balance the savory.
Paprika: Paprika give great color and a hint of sweetness as well
Cayenne Pepper and Creole Seasoning : Cayenne Pepper and the Creole Seasoning offer a little kick that is key to Louisiana cuisine.
Thyme: Thyme adds a welcoming earthy flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Salt and Black pepper are familiar seasonings that round off the taste of the dirty rice.

Substitutions

Dirty rice is one of those recipes that is easy to personalize. Here are a few substitutions that will still make for great tasting dirty rice. If you’re looking for a true authentic dirty rice, try using finely chopped chicken gizzards or chicken livers. Either of these will add a rich, savory depth. Ground pork is a flavorful alternative to the ground beef and gives the dish a slightly sweeter taste. For a little more heat try adding cajun seasoning or hot sauce. These easy swaps and additions will bring out the heart and soul of classic dirty rice while letting you make it your own.

What You Will Need:

Watch Me Make Dirty Rice

Instructions for Dirty Rice

Step 1: Browning the Meat

Using medium heat bring a large skillet to temperature then add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Season the meat with salt and pepper then continue browning for another 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add the onion, celery, green bell pepper and red bell pepper then continue to cook until the vegetables are translucent. Add the minced garlic and mix well then cover and allow the meat to simmer for an additional five minutes.

Step 3: Add the Rice

Parboiled rice is rice that has been partially cooked in its husk. This process, known as parboiling, makes the rice easier to digest and more nutritious. Parboiled rice is also less likely to stick together when cooked, making it a good choice for dishes

After five minutes add the rice then season with the cayenne pepper, Creole seasoning, thyme and paprika Add the chicken stock and mix well cover and allow it to cook for 10 minutes then it is ready to serve.

This dirty rice recipe is hearty enough to serve as a meal or can be a great side dish. I hope you give this a try.

What to Eat With Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is a delicious and flavorful meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of soul food favorites. For a classic combination, serve it with fried chicken or fried catfish for a satisfying meal. If you’re looking to add a bit of freshness, serve it with fried cabbage or a side of collard greens to balance the richness of the rice. Cornbread make perfect accompaniments to finish off this tasty dish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a weeknight dinner, dirty rice shines even brighter when served with these delicious sides.

How to Store Leftover Dirty Rice

To store leftover dirty rice, allow it to reach room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 4 days for the best flavor and texture. If you’d like to keep it longer, dirty rice freezes well. To do so place them in a freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. This keeps the rice flavorful and prevents it from drying out.

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