Description

Get ready to fall in love with this bold and comforting Classic Dirty Rice — a one-skillet Southern favorite made with seasoned ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy rice. This easy recipe is packed with flavor, perfect for a quick dinner, weeknight comfort meal, or flavorful meal prep option. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, gluten-free meals, or a budget-friendly recipe, this dirty rice delivers on all fronts!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef or pork

2 cups cooked white rice

1 medium green bell pepper, diced

2 ribs celery, diced

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

4 ounces chicken livers, finely chopped (optional)

3 tablespoons chopped green onions

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon oil or butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the rice if not using leftovers, and let it cool slightly.

2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned. If using chicken livers, add them now and cook until fully integrated.

3. Push meat to the side of the skillet and add bell pepper, celery, and onion. Sauté until soft, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

4. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through.

6. Remove from heat and mix in chopped green onions and parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use day-old rice — it stays fluffy and absorbs flavor beautifully.

If skipping chicken livers, enhance the richness with Worcestershire sauce or extra seasoning.

This dish reheats very well — perfect for lunch the next day or meal prepping ahead of time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Southern / Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 375
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: dirty rice, easy dinner, one pot meal, southern food, gluten free