If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that can be prepared in just one pot, One Pot Dirty Rice is the perfect dish! This Cajun classic is not only delicious but also quick to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Packed with spices, meat, and veggies, it’s sure to please the whole family. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe!
Ingredients
To serve 5 people, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4-5 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound chicken livers, chopped (optional)
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1½ – 2 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (or more to taste)
- 6 cups cooked rice (long-grain works best)
- 3-4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2-3 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste (optional)
Grocery List
Make sure to grab these items for your shopping trip:
- Bacon
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh thyme
- Bay leaves
- Ground beef
- Chicken livers (optional)
- Green bell pepper
- Celery
- Beef stock
- Creole seasoning
- Long-grain rice
- Green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Hot sauce (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to create your One Pot Dirty Rice:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add a bit of oil if needed to the bacon drippings. Sauté the chopped onion, thyme, and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Meat: Stir in the ground beef and chicken livers (if using). Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add the chopped green bell pepper and celery. Season with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add Stock and Rice: Pour in the beef stock and bring to a boil. Stir in the cooked rice and bacon. Mix well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions and parsley, then serve hot!
Cooking Time
Total time: Approximately 35–40 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves about 5 people and contains roughly:
- Calories per serving: 450 kcal (approximate)
Note: Calorie count may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tips & Notes
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to omit chicken livers or substitute with other meats like ground pork or turkey.
- Leftover Friendly: This dish is an excellent way to use leftover rice or meats.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or using spicy sausage instead of ground beef.
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