Authentic Louisiana Dirty Rice for Comforting Dinners

Name: Authentic Louisiana Dirty Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 lb ground pork sausage; 4 cups cooked rice; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup green bell pepper; 1 cup yellow onion; 1 cup celery; 2 tbsp flour; 3 tbsp bacon grease; 2 bay leaves; 1 tbsp fresh parsley; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tbsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Posted on February 21, 2026

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This homemade Louisiana Dirty Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ground meats or vegetables to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Trust me, it’s that versatile!

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s gather what we need for this soul-soothing dish! Here’s the list of everything you’re going to need to create this flavorful dirty rice:

1 lb lean ground beef: Using lean helps minimize the grease.
1 lb ground pork sausage: I always go with breakfast sausage for that perfect flavor.
4 cups cooked rice: If you have leftover rice, yay! It really improves the texture.
1 cup chicken broth: You can absolutely use vegetable broth if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
1 cup green bell pepper: Optional, swap it for red if you want a hint of sweetness.
1 cup yellow onion: Shallots are a great, subtler alternative if you have those on hand.
1 cup celery: If you’re in a pinch, celery seeds will do!
2 tbsp flour: Cornstarch can work as a gluten-free option, just in case.
3 tbsp bacon grease: Switch it out for olive oil if you prefer a healthier version.
2 bay leaves: Don’t forget to remove these before serving!
1 tbsp fresh parsley: Dried works too in a pinch.
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds so much flavor.
1 tbsp chili powder: Adjust this to match your personal heat preference.
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper: Feel free to personalize the heat level for your taste!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, let’s dive into the steps of this lovely dirty rice that is about to become your new family favorite! Here’s how it’s done:

Sauté Your Aromatics: In a large pot, over medium heat, add the bacon grease (or olive oil) and let it melt down. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until they become fragrant, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the onions to turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Brown the Meat: Now, add the ground beef and pork sausage into the pot. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks until it’s browned all the way through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom, those flavors are pure magic!
Add the Spices: Sprinkle in your chili powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, pepper, and cayenne, stirring to coat all the meat and vegetables. Cook this for another 2 minutes until everything is combined and the smell just fills your kitchen.
Add the Flour: Sprinkle in the flour, stir diligently, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This is key to thickening up the broth and gives it that comforting, hearty texture.
Pour in the Liquid Ingredients: Carefully add the cooked rice and chicken broth to the pot. Toss in the bay leaves and stir everything together. Now, bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to cook for about 5-10 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld beautifully.
Finish It Off: Remove the bay leaves, trust me, you don’t want anyone biting down on those! Finish it off with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve: Dish this beauty up while it’s warm! Maybe with a side salad or some crusty bread. Enjoy every bite!

My Special Connection with This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m feeling a little nostalgic. It really takes me back to my childhood dinners; it’s where comfort food takes shape. I’m a real sucker for meals that are not only delicious but simple to construct after a long day, and dirty rice is just that! The best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, making it totally adaptable, perfect for those busy weeknights!

If you loved this dirty rice recipe, be sure to check out my Filipino Garlic Fried Rice, my Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice, or my Grilled Rice Balls!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, once you have everything set up, it’s a matter of sautéing, simmering, and serving. Your family won’t even believe dinner could be ready that fast!

One Pot Wonder

Everything is cooked all in one pot, which means minimal cleanup once dinner is finished! Say goodbye to the mountain of dishes we all dread after cooking a big meal.

Budget-Friendly

This recipe uses everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank. With meats, rice, and whatever veggies you have lying around, you’re set for an affordable, hearty meal.

Customizable

The beauty of dirty rice is in its flexibility. Switch up the proteins, add different vegetables, or even toss in some beans, whatever you have in the fridge can make an appearance!

Comfort Food

Let’s face it, there’s nothing like a plate full of spicy, savory, and filling rice to bring smiles to the table. It’s loaded with tons of flavor, and every bite feels like a warm hug!

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve This Dirty Rice

Serve the dirty rice hot from the pot with a fresh sprinkle of parsley on top and a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling it! It goes fabulously with cornbread or a fresh cucumber salad. Trust me, it’s a match made in dinner heaven.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure it cools down first!

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat unless you want a dry, sad meal is to add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pot, then heat over medium-low until warmed through, stirring frequently.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, you can absolutely freeze this dish! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it into a freezer safe container. It’ll keep nicely for about 3 months.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: a quick, easy, and totally delicious dish that captures the soul of Louisiana cooking! Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week, need a comforting dinner after a long day, or are simply looking for something to savor, this Authentic Louisiana Dirty Rice is sure to do the trick. Enjoy and savor every bite! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.