Description
Southern Style Dirty Rice is a bold and savory one-skillet meal perfect for weeknight dinners or comforting family gatherings. This easy recipe features long grain rice cooked with ground beef, chicken livers, and the holy trinity of Cajun cooking—onions, celery, and bell peppers. Spiced with Creole seasoning and simmered in chicken broth, it’s a cozy dinner idea that doubles beautifully for meal prep. Whether you’re after a healthy-ish Southern comfort meal or looking for quick dinner food ideas, this easy recipe is full of flavor and absolutely satisfying.
Ingredients
1 cup long grain white rice
1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 pound chicken livers, finely chopped
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Push to one side of the skillet.
2. Add chopped chicken livers to the skillet and cook until no longer pink. Mix with the beef and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add oil if needed and saute the onion, celery, and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat with oil and vegetables. Toast the rice for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Return the meat to the skillet and add Creole seasoning, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve.
Notes
Don’t skip toasting the rice—it adds a subtle nutty depth that makes the dish pop.
Use fresh chicken livers and chop them finely so they blend into the rice for extra flavor without overwhelming the dish.
If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: dirty rice, southern dirty rice, easy dinner, comfort food, cajun rice, one pan meal