Shrimp Dirty Rice is a bold and hearty one-pot Cajun meal that brings together the rich flavors of ground meats, succulent shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and seasoned rice. It’s a satisfying dish that’s packed with Southern charm, delivering comfort and spice in every bite. This recipe is a great go-to for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave a soulful homemade meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Shrimp Dirty Rice stands out with its rich blend of savory meats, Cajun-inspired spices, and tender shrimp, all soaked up in perfectly cooked rice. The combination of hamburger meat and shrimp offers depth and flavor, while the Cajun spices tie it all together. Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup easy and prep a breeze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb hamburger meat
1 lb ground sausage
10–12 shrimp, tails removed and deveined
4 cups cooked rice
2 cups chicken broth (prepared using Better Than Bouillon or similar)
1.5 cups mixed chopped onions and bell peppers
3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 tsp seafood seasoning
Directions
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the hamburger meat and ground sausage. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Push the meat to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and toss in the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Mix the vegetables into the meat, then stir in the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a light simmer.
Stir in the cooked rice and seafood seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow flavors to combine and liquid to absorb.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
Spicier Version: Add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for more heat.
Creole Twist: Use andouille sausage instead of regular ground sausage for a smokier flavor.
Add Veggies: Stir in chopped celery or diced tomatoes for a more rounded veggie base.
Low Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
No Red Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in intervals, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
FAQs
How spicy is Shrimp Dirty Rice?
It has mild to moderate spice, but you can easily adjust the heat to your preference with extra seasoning.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed, deveined, and pat-dried before cooking.
Can I substitute the meat with another protein?
Absolutely. You can use ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based meat substitute.
What kind of rice works best?
Long grain white rice is ideal, but jasmine or basmati rice can also be used.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if all ingredients (especially broth and seasonings) are certified gluten-free.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well and can be made a day in advance for even deeper flavor.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Use cold, day-old rice if possible. It holds up better in one-pot meals.
What can I serve with Shrimp Dirty Rice?
It pairs well with cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Can I make it without shrimp?
Yes, just skip the shrimp or replace it with extra meat or a different seafood like crawfish.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based ground meat and skip the shrimp, or substitute with mushrooms and beans.
Conclusion
Shrimp Dirty Rice is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make Cajun classic that’s sure to impress. With its one-pot convenience and customizable ingredients, it’s a weeknight hero and crowd-pleaser all in one. Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or a seasoned fan, this dish brings hearty satisfaction to any table.
Shrimp Dirty Rice is a bold, Cajun-inspired one-pot meal made with ground meat, shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and spiced rice. This hearty Southern dish is packed with flavor, simple to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb hamburger meat
1 lb ground sausage
10–12 shrimp, tails removed and deveined
4 cups cooked rice
2 cups chicken broth (e.g., Better Than Bouillon)
1.5 cups chopped onions and bell peppers
3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 tsp seafood seasoning
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the hamburger meat and sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Push meat to one side and add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Mix vegetables into meat and add shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3–4 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a light simmer.
Stir in cooked rice and seafood seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes until flavors combine and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Use day-old or cold rice for best texture.
Add cayenne pepper for more spice.
Substitute ground beef/sausage with ground turkey or plant-based meat for dietary preferences.
