Dirty Rice for Two

This Dirty Rice for Two is a quick, budget-friendly Southern comfort meal made with ground beef, rice, onion, and bold Cajun seasoning. It’s a hearty one-pan dinner that’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal without leftovers piling up.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-pan dinner for two
• Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Classic Southern comfort flavor
• Perfect for quick weeknight meals

Ingredients for Dirty Rice

• ½ pound ground beef
• 1 small to medium onion, chopped
• 1–2 tablespoons butter or oil
• ⅓ cup uncooked white rice
• 1 (10-ounce) can beef broth or 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt (use less if using beef broth)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

How to Make Dirty Rice

1. In a deep skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
2. Drain excess grease and set the meat aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter or oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened.
4. Stir in the beef broth (or water) and salt; bring to a boil.
5. Add the rice, cooked ground beef, and onions to the skillet.
6. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
7. Stir in the pepper, seasoned salt, and Cajun seasoning.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet: Easy to clean and great for quick cooking.
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• Meat chopper; Makes cooking the meat easier
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• Chef’s knife: For chopping up ingredients
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• Measuring cups: to measure ingredients
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Variations

• Substitute ground sausage or ground turkey for the ground beef
• Add finely chopped bell pepper with the onion
• Use brown rice, increasing liquid and cooking time as needed

Helpful Tips

• Rinse the rice before cooking if you prefer fluffier grains.
• If the rice absorbs the liquid too quickly, add a small splash of broth or water.
• For extra flavor, cook the rice in beef broth instead of water.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.

Storage

• This recipe freezes well—consider making a double batch and freezing half
• Leftovers reheat nicely; add a small splash of water before microwaving to keep the rice moist
• Store leftovers in individual containers for easy lunches

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

• One-Pot Goulash for Two
• Budget Taco Pasta for Two
• Budget Garlic Butter Steak for Two
• Beef Spanish Rice Skillet for Two
• Easy Slow Cooker Chili for Two

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes. Brown rice works well but will require more liquid and about 15–20 extra minutes of cooking time.

Can I make dirty rice with sausage instead of beef?
Yes. Ground sausage adds great flavor and works perfectly in this recipe.

Does this recipe freeze well?
Yes. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Plan Your Meals With Ease

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