Dirty Rice with Ground Beef

This Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal made with simple pantry ingredients. Tender ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice come together in a savory dish that’s comforting, filling, and ideal for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s made with affordable, easy-to-find ingredients
• Everything cooks in one pan for minimal cleanup
• The flavors are rich, savory, and family-friendly
• It works well as a main dish or a side
• Great for meal prep and reheating

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups water
1 cup uncooked white rice

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften.
4. Stir in the beef bouillon granules, salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper, mixing well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
5. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Stir in the uncooked white rice, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
8. Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version
• Add garlic or a pinch of paprika for extra depth of flavor
• Stir in frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking
• Use brown rice, adjusting the liquid and cooking time as needed
• Make it mildly spicy by adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Stir between intervals for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for easy reheating.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice works best for a fluffy texture, but other varieties can be used with adjusted cooking times.

Can I freeze dirty rice?

Yes, allow it to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Make sure to measure the liquid accurately and avoid overcooking.

Is this dish spicy?

No, this version is mild, but you can adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, vegetables like celery, peas, or carrots work well in this recipe.

Do I need to rinse the rice first?

Rinsing is optional, but it can help remove excess starch for a fluffier result.

Can I cook this in a pot instead of a skillet?

Yes, a deep pot with a tight-fitting lid works just as well.

What can I serve with dirty rice?

It pairs well with salads, roasted vegetables, or flatbread.

How do I know when the rice is done?

The rice is done when it’s tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Conclusion

Dirty Rice with Ground Beef is a simple yet satisfying recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing meals ahead of time, this dish is a reliable and delicious choice you’ll want to make again and again.

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