Savory, spiced, and hearty — Dirty Rice made with ground beef is the ultimate quick comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, this one-skillet wonder is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!
Table of Contents
📋Recipe Card:
🛒Ingredients:
🍳Instructions:
🔥Additional Notes:
🧡Brief Introduction:
📑Table of Contents:
✨Quick Look at the Recipe:
🥄Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:
Step 1: Rice Prep
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Step 3: Veggie Time
Step 4: Spice It Up
Step 5: Add the Rice
🛒Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips:
🍽Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions:
Flavor Variations:
Serving Ideas:
🧊Storage and Make-Ahead Information:
🥗Nutrition & W Points Info (Per Serving):
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🌟Personal Story:
📢Call-to-Action:
📋 Recipe Card:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
W-W Points: 7 Points per serving
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, W-W Friendly, One-Pan Meal
🛒 Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil (or olive oil spray for lighter version)
1 pound ground beef (93% lean recommended)
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: sliced scallions for garnish
🍳 Instructions:
Cook the Rice:
If you don’t have leftover rice, cook 1 cup of dry rice according to package instructions and let it cool.
Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Soften the Veggies:
Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the Spices:
Stir in thyme, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Combine with Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir everything together until heated through and well combined.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
🔥 Additional Notes:
For an even lighter version, swap ground beef for 99% lean ground turkey — it’ll shave off a few W-W points!
Leftover dirty rice reheats beautifully for meal prep.
🧡 Brief Introduction:
When you need a flavorful, filling meal that comes together quickly, Dirty Rice is the answer! 🍚✨
It’s savory, perfectly spiced, and loaded with tender beef, peppers, onions, and rice — a real “clean out the fridge” kind of meal that tastes way more indulgent than it actually is.
📑 Table of Contents:
Quick Look at the Recipe
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Nutrition & W-W Points Info
FAQs
Personal Story
More One-Pan Meals
Call to Action
✨ Quick Look at the Recipe:
Kristy’s POV:
This dish is a weeknight warrior in my house — easy, budget-friendly, and SO satisfying.
I love how you can spice it up or mellow it down depending on who’s coming to dinner!
🥄 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:
Step 1: Rice Prep
If using fresh rice, cook and cool it slightly before adding to the pan — cold rice gives better texture!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Sauté until no pink remains, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Veggie Time
Add onions and peppers to the beef; cook until soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Stir in thyme, paprika, and cayenne for a deep, Southern-style flavor.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Toss in cooked rice, mix thoroughly, and let the flavors meld together!
Tip: Let the rice sit in the pan without stirring for a minute or two to get some crispy bits!
🛒 Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips:
Ground Beef: 93% lean keeps it lighter. Sub ground turkey or chicken for an even leaner option.
Rice: Day-old rice prevents stickiness — great for using up leftovers!
Spices: Adjust cayenne to taste — or leave it out for a mild, family-friendly version.
Veggies: Add celery for a more traditional dirty rice flavor if you like.
🍽 Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions:
Flavor Variations:
Spicy Cajun: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning along with the spices.
Extra Veggie: Stir in spinach, peas, or shredded carrots at the end.
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a plant-based version.
Serving Ideas:
Serve alongside a crisp garden salad.
Pair with a light tomato soup or broth-based veggie soup.
Enjoy with a sprinkle of hot sauce or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast!
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Information:
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the rice.
🥗 Nutrition & W Points Info (Per Serving):
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
W-W Points: 7 Points (using 93% lean beef and olive oil spray)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! This dish actually gets even more flavorful after sitting overnight.
Q: How spicy is it?
A: Without cayenne, it’s very mild. Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you like it fiery!
Q: What’s the best rice to use?
A: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice work best — day-old if possible for the best texture!
Q: Can I make this lower in points?
A: Yes — use 99% lean turkey and olive oil spray for an even lighter option.
🌟 Personal Story:
Dirty Rice is one of those meals that takes me straight back to cozy nights at my grandmother’s table — hearty, simple, and full of love. 🧡🍚
It’s also saved me on so many crazy nights when I needed something quick but still wanted to feel like I cooked a real meal.
Now it’s a family staple — and even my picky eaters clean their plates!
📢 Call-to-Action:
Tried this easy, delicious Dirty Rice with Ground Beef? 🍚💬
Let me know in the comments below — and don’t forget to tag me @KristyCooksW-W on Instagram so I can see your amazing creations!
Let’s keep making quick, tasty, W-W friendly meals that everyone at the table will love! 🌟