Ann’s Dirty Rice

Indulge in the rich flavors of Ann’s Dirty Rice—a hearty and savory dish featuring seasoned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy white rice. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this comforting recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for classic Southern comfort food.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups water
1 cup uncooked white rice

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet or frying pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

2. Add the Chopped Vegetables:

Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Season the Mixture:

Sprinkle the beef bouillon granules, salt, seasoned salt, and ground black pepper over the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

4. Cook the Rice:

In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked white rice to the pot. Stir briefly, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer the rice for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

5. Combine and Serve:

Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Cook’s Tips and Variations:

Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Sausage Swap: Substitute ground sausage for all or part of the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and use cooked lentils or black beans as a meatless alternative.
Creole Twist: Add diced tomatoes, garlic, and Cajun seasoning for a Creole-inspired variation.
Make it Ahead: Prepare the rice and beef mixture separately, then combine and reheat just before serving for easy meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more water accordingly.
What can I serve with Ann’s Dirty Rice?
- Ann’s Dirty Rice pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, pork chops, or sausage. It also makes a tasty accompaniment to seafood dishes like shrimp or fish. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I make Ann’s Dirty Rice ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare Ann’s Dirty Rice ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Simply store the cooked rice and beef mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
How can I customize the seasoning in this recipe?
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings in Ann’s Dirty Rice to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor. Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is Ann’s Dirty Rice suitable for meal prep?
- Yes, Ann’s Dirty Rice is a great option for meal prep. You can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch, then portion it out into individual containers for quick and convenient meals throughout the week. Simply reheat the portions as needed for a tasty and satisfying meal on the go.

More Delicious Ideas:

Cheesy Variation: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the cooked rice and beef mixture, then cover and let it melt for a cheesy twist on this classic dish.
Vegetable Additions: Add diced vegetables such as celery, carrots, or corn to the beef and vegetable mixture for added texture and nutrition.
Protein Boost: Mix in cooked beans such as black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or parsley for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Egg Topping: Serve Ann’s Dirty Rice topped with a fried or poached egg for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.

Ann’s Dirty Rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, its hearty ingredients and savory seasonings are sure to please your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the comforting flavors of Ann’s Dirty Rice today!