Southern Style Dirty Rice is a robust and satisfying dish that truly embodies the heart and soul of Southern cooking. It’s a versatile side that’s loaded with flavorful ingredients like sausage, ground beef, and a blend of spices and vegetables.
Whether it’s served at a casual weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or during festive holidays, dirty rice is a comforting staple that can easily become the centerpiece of any meal. This recipe offers a homemade version that rivals the convenience of store-bought mixes like Zatarain’s, providing a cost-effective and equally delicious alternative.
Southern Style Dirty Rice: A Homemade Take on a Classic
This Dirty Rice recipe captures all the traditional flavors you know and love but is made from scratch to help cut down on costs without sacrificing taste. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just ensuring there are enough leftovers for easy reheating throughout the week.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8-12
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and sausage)
- 3 cups uncooked long-grain white rice (like Uncle Ben’s)
- 4 tbsp. Creole seasoning (like Zatarain’s)
- 1 1/2 tbsp. Zatarain’s dehydrated sweet bell peppers
- 1 tbsp. minced onion (like McCormick’s)
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 tbsp. soy sauce
- 6 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp. butter
- A dash of paprika, for garnish
Directions:
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground meat until fully cooked, breaking it into very small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat and set the meat aside.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture:
- In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the Creole seasoning, dehydrated bell peppers, minced onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, and butter until well combined.
- Add the cooked meat and rice to the boiling water. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook the Rice:
- Cover the saucepan and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle a dash of paprika over the top for added color and flavor before serving.
Cooking Note:
- This recipe aims to replicate the taste and convenience of a Zatarain’s box meal but at a lower cost and with the flexibility to adjust flavors to personal preference. Using dehydrated and minced ingredients from brands like McCormick and Zatarain’s speeds up the prep process and still delivers great flavor.
- Fresh bell peppers and onions can be used for enhanced flavor if time permits.
Southern Style Dirty Rice is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table, knowing it’s made with love and care. Whether it’s part of a weeknight dinner or a special holiday menu, this dirty rice will surely leave everyone satisfied.
