new orleans dirty rice

🍚🌶️ Dirty Rice (New Orleans–Style)

A classic Louisiana comfort dish made with rice, ground meat, and bold Creole seasonings. It gets its “dirty” look from finely chopped chicken livers and browned meat mixed throughout the rice.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)

• ½ cup finely chopped chicken livers (traditional, optional but authentic)

• 1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)

• 2½ cups chicken broth

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced (the “Holy Trinity”)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp Creole seasoning

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the rice:
   Cook rice in chicken broth according to package directions. Fluff and set aside.

2. Brown the meat:
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat and chicken livers. Cook until browned, breaking into small crumbles.

3. Add vegetables:
   Stir in onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

4. Season:
   Add thyme, paprika, cayenne, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Combine:
   Fold in cooked rice and stir until evenly mixed and heated through.

6. Finish:
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with sliced green onions.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve as a side with fried chicken or grilled sausage

• Stuff into bell peppers for a hearty meal

• Pair with cornbread and a simple green salad

🔥 Tips for Authentic Flavor

• Chop chicken livers very finely so they “melt” into the dish.

• Let the meat brown deeply for richer flavor.

• Add a splash of hot sauce before serving for extra kick.

If you’d like, I can also share a spicy Cajun version or a seafood-style Dirty Rice with shrimp.