Dirty Rice and Beans

Bring the vibrant flavors of the South to your table with this hearty and flavorful Dirty Rice and Beans recipe! Packed with Cajun flair, this one-pot dish combines tender long-grain white rice, savory ground beef or pork sausage, and creamy kidney beans simmered with aromatic vegetables like onion, green bell pepper, and celery. A perfect balance of spices—including Cajun seasoning, thyme, and paprika—infuses every bite with a smoky, mildly spiced kick, while chicken broth ensures the rice cooks to soft, fluffy perfection. Topped with fresh green onions and a splash of optional hot sauce, this comforting, budget-friendly meal is ready in just under an hour and is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether you’re craving bold Louisiana-inspired flavors or looking for a satisfying recipe to share, Dirty Rice and Beans delivers a crowd-pleasing dish full of texture and taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 pound ground beef or pork sausage
• 15 ounces cooked kidney beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 0 hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or pork sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the cooked kidney beans, uncooked rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for garnish.

Step 9

Serve hot with optional hot sauce on the side for added heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1848.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1892.7

Total Fat 84.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 158.8mg	0%
Sodium 5289.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 187.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.6g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 95.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 391.0mg	0%
Iron 22.7mg	0%
Potassium 3822.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.1%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 39.7%