Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these 18 mouth-watering dirty rice recipes that put a Southern twist on this classic dish! Dirty rice is a staple in many Louisiana households, and we’re taking it to the next level by adding bold flavors and ingredients from around the country. From spicy sausage to smoky bacon and chorizo, each recipe is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll be exploring everything from Cajun-inspired dirty rice with andouille sausage to vegetarian options featuring mushrooms and bell peppers. We’ve even got some creative twists on traditional dirty rice dishes, like stuffed bell peppers and zucchini boats. Whether you’re a Southern food lover or just looking for new ideas to spice up your meals, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your apron, put on your favorite Southern tunes, and get ready to dive into the world of spicy dirty rice!
Cajun Dirty Rice with Andouille Sausage
This classic Louisiana dish is a hearty one-pot wonder that combines the flavors of andouille sausage, dirty rice, and spices. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow), chopped
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot; stir to combine.
5. Add the browned sausage back into the pot; stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creole Dirty Rice with Shrimp and Bell Peppers
A spicy twist on the classic Creole dirty rice dish, this recipe adds succulent shrimp and crunchy bell peppers for a flavorful one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow), sliced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add bell peppers; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add shrimp; cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Stir in Creole seasoning and rice.
6. Add water; bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spicy Chicken Liver Dirty Rice
A Southern twist on traditional dirty rice, this spicy dish combines chicken liver with bold flavors and aromas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken livers, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1-2 dashes hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add chopped chicken livers; cook until browned, breaking into smaller pieces as needed.
4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine cooked rice with liver mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
6. If desired, add hot sauce to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern-Style Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Get ready for a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! This classic Southern recipe combines ground beef, rice, and savory spices for a flavorful one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dirty Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the savory goodness of dirty rice with bell peppers and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked dirty rice (see our recipe for dirty rice)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in cooked dirty rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture, filling to the top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Smoky Bacon and Pork Dirty Rice
A hearty one-pot dish that combines the smokiness of bacon with the richness of pork and savory dirty rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 6 slices of thick-cut smoky bacon, diced
– 2 cups cooked dirty rice (see note)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the drippings in the skillet.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the pork cubes to the skillet, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet along with the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Add the cooked dirty rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the pork mixture.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pork is tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Jambalaya-Style Dirty Rice with Chicken
A spicy twist on traditional dirty rice, this recipe combines cooked chicken, sausage, and vegetables with a flavorful blend of spices and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup chopped cooked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa)
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add sausage, onion, garlic, bell pepper, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine cooked chicken, sausage mixture, and cooked rice in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetarian Dirty Rice with Mushrooms
A hearty, flavorful vegetarian twist on the classic dirty rice dish, featuring earthy sautéed mushrooms and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the mushroom mixture. Toss until well combined.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dirty Rice Casserole with Cheese Topping
A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Dirty Rice Casserole with Cheese Topping is a crowd-pleaser. With a rich and creamy cheese topping, it’s the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in peas and carrots, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked rice with meat mixture.
7. Transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Dirty Rice with Chorizo and Corn
This recipe is a bold twist on traditional dirty rice, adding spicy chorizo sausage and sweet corn to create a flavorful one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 pound Spanish chorizo, sliced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chorizo and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in rice, water, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
5. Stir in corn kernels; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Louisiana Dirty Rice with Crawfish
This hearty recipe combines the rich flavors of crawfish, sausage, and spices to create a mouthwatering dirty rice dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 medium bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound crawfish tail meat
– 1/4 pound andouille sausage, sliced
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add crawfish, sausage, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until crawfish is pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in cooked rice into the skillet and combine with crawfish mixture.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dirty Rice and Black Bean Skillet
A hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for a busy day. This recipe combines the flavors of dirty rice with the nutrition of black beans, all in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the rice, water, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Stir in the black beans. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pot Dirty Rice with Kielbasa
A hearty, flavorful rice dish that’s easy to make and packed with spicy sausage goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless kielbasa, sliced
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spicy Dirty Rice with Jalapeños and Cheddar
This recipe adds a spicy kick to the classic dirty rice dish, combining creamy cheddar cheese with bold jalapeño peppers. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their meals!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chopped cilantro, jalapeño pepper, and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dirty Rice with Smoked Turkey and Herbs
A twist on the classic dirty rice recipe, this dish combines flavorful smoked turkey with aromatic herbs and spices for a hearty, one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 lb cooked smoked turkey, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the cooked smoked turkey, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Fluff with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dirty Rice-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
A creative twist on traditional stuffed zucchinis, these flavorful boats combine the comfort of dirty rice with the crunch of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1 cup cooked dirty rice (see our recipe for dirty rice)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise, scoop out the insides, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cooked dirty rice, shredded cheese, and chopped scallions.
4. Stuff each zucchini boat with the rice mixture, dividing it evenly among the four boats.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quick and Easy Dirty Rice with Ground Pork
A hearty and flavorful twist on classic dirty rice, this recipe adds savory ground pork to the mix for a satisfying one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the paprika and cayenne pepper (if using); cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the pork mixture.
6. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add 2 cups of water to the skillet.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dirty Rice with Okra and Tomatoes
A Southern classic gets a flavorful twist with the addition of okra and tomatoes! This hearty dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 medium tomato, diced
– 1 cup okra, sliced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
2. Heat oil in a separate skillet over medium-high. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add diced tomato and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in okra and paprika. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until okra is tender.
5. Fluff cooked rice with a fork. Add the vegetable mixture to the rice and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meal routine with these 18 Southern-style dirty rice recipes! From classic Cajun flavors to bold Creole twists, this collection offers something for everyone. Try pairing andouille sausage with Cajun spices or combining shrimp and bell peppers for a Creole flair. For meat-lovers, there are options featuring ground beef, chorizo, and smoked turkey. Vegetarians can enjoy mushroom-packed dishes or a hearty black bean skillet. And don’t forget the cheesy casserole and jalapeño-spiced dirty rice for added heat! Each recipe is sure to bring a taste of the South to your table.
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