Savory, spiced, and hearty — Dirty Rice made with ground beef is the ultimate quick comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, this one-skillet wonder is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!

📋 Recipe Card:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
W-W Points: 7 Points per serving 
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, W-W Friendly, One-Pan Meal

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or olive oil spray for lighter version)

• 1 pound ground beef (93% lean recommended)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for best texture)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: sliced scallions for garnish

🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:
   If you don’t have leftover rice, cook 1 cup of dry rice according to package instructions and let it cool.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Soften the Veggies:
   Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the Spices:
   Stir in thyme, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

5. Combine with Rice:
   Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir everything together until heated through and well combined.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

🔥 Additional Notes:

• For an even lighter version, swap ground beef for 99% lean ground turkey — it’ll shave off a few W-W points!

• Leftover dirty rice reheats beautifully for meal prep.

🧡 Brief Introduction:

When you need a flavorful, filling meal that comes together quickly, Dirty Rice is the answer! 🍚✨
It’s savory, perfectly spiced, and loaded with tender beef, peppers, onions, and rice — a real “clean out the fridge” kind of meal that tastes way more indulgent than it actually is.

📑 Table of Contents:

• Quick Look at the Recipe

• Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

• Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips

• Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Nutrition & W-W Points Info

• FAQs

• Personal Story

• More One-Pan Meals

• Call to Action

✨ Quick Look at the Recipe:

Kristy’s POV:
This dish is a weeknight warrior in my house — easy, budget-friendly, and SO satisfying.
I love how you can spice it up or mellow it down depending on who’s coming to dinner!

🥄 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:

Step 1: Rice Prep

• If using fresh rice, cook and cool it slightly before adding to the pan — cold rice gives better texture!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Sauté until no pink remains, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Veggie Time

• Add onions and peppers to the beef; cook until soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Stir in thyme, paprika, and cayenne for a deep, Southern-style flavor.

Step 5: Add the Rice

• Toss in cooked rice, mix thoroughly, and let the flavors meld together!

Tip: Let the rice sit in the pan without stirring for a minute or two to get some crispy bits!

🛒 Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips:

• Ground Beef: 93% lean keeps it lighter. Sub ground turkey or chicken for an even leaner option.

• Rice: Day-old rice prevents stickiness — great for using up leftovers!

• Spices: Adjust cayenne to taste — or leave it out for a mild, family-friendly version.

• Veggies: Add celery for a more traditional dirty rice flavor if you like.

🍽 Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions:

Flavor Variations:

• Spicy Cajun: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning along with the spices.

• Extra Veggie: Stir in spinach, peas, or shredded carrots at the end.

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a plant-based version.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve alongside a crisp garden salad.

• Pair with a light tomato soup or broth-based veggie soup.

• Enjoy with a sprinkle of hot sauce or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast!

🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Information:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the rice.

🥗 Nutrition & W Points Info (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~320 kcal

• Protein: 20g

• Carbs: 24g

• Fat: 15g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

• W-W Points: 7 Points (using 93% lean beef and olive oil spray)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! This dish actually gets even more flavorful after sitting overnight.

Q: How spicy is it?
A: Without cayenne, it’s very mild. Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you like it fiery!

Q: What’s the best rice to use?
A: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice work best — day-old if possible for the best texture!

Q: Can I make this lower in points?
A: Yes — use 99% lean turkey and olive oil spray for an even lighter option.

🌟 Personal Story:

Dirty Rice is one of those meals that takes me straight back to cozy nights at my grandmother’s table — hearty, simple, and full of love. 🧡🍚
It’s also saved me on so many crazy nights when I needed something quick but still wanted to feel like I cooked a real meal.
Now it’s a family staple — and even my picky eaters clean their plates!

📢 Call-to-Action:

Tried this easy, delicious Dirty Rice with Ground Beef? 🍚💬
Let me know in the comments below — and don’t forget to tag me @KristyCooksW-W on Instagram so I can see your amazing creations!
Let’s keep making quick, tasty, W-W friendly meals that everyone at the table will love! 🌟