This Shrimp Dirty Rice Skillet is a hearty one-pan dinner inspired by Southern Creole cooking. Juicy shrimp, seasoned beef sausage, and ground beef are simmered with aromatic vegetables, warm spices, and fluffy rice to create a deeply satisfying meal that feels both comforting and bold. It is the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is packed with bold Cajun-style flavor without being complicated or time-consuming. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more flavor from the browned bits left behind. It is filling, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. The combination of shrimp, beef, and rice makes it both comforting and special, with just the right amount of spice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the shrimp with the seafood seasoning, then add them to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the ground beef and beef sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon. Cook for about 8 minutes, until the meat is browned and cooked through.
Stir in the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well, then add the flour and mix until it evenly coats the meat and vegetables.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Fold in the cooked rice, stirring until every grain is coated with the flavorful mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Cook just until the shrimp are warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.
For a lighter version, substitute ground chicken or ground turkey for the beef. You can increase the shrimp and reduce the meat for a more seafood-forward dish. Add diced celery or tomatoes for extra texture and flavor. If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the chili powder.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?
Yes, but allow freshly cooked rice to cool slightly before adding it to the skillet to avoid a mushy texture.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and absorbs flavor well.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a moderate level of heat. You can easily adjust the spice by changing the amount of cayenne and chili powder.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well and often tastes even better the next day.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
You can omit the shrimp and increase the beef sausage, or substitute cooked chicken pieces.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but make sure it is fully cooked before adding it, as brown rice has a firmer texture.
What vegetables can I add?
Celery, green onions, or diced tomatoes all work well in this dish.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well when stored in airtight containers.
How do I keep the shrimp tender?
Do not overcook them initially, and only warm them briefly when adding back to the skillet.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as you use a very large skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Dirty Rice Skillet is a flavorful, comforting meal that delivers big taste with simple steps. With its rich spices, tender shrimp, and hearty rice base, it is a reliable recipe you can return to again and again, whether for family dinners or casual gatherings. One skillet is all it takes to create a dish that feels warm, satisfying, and full of character.
This Shrimp Dirty Rice Skillet is a one-pan Creole-inspired dish packed with bold Cajun flavors, juicy shrimp, sausage, ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy rice. It’s a hearty, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
450 grams ground beef (80–85% lean)
450 grams beef sausage, casings removed
12 medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
4 cups cooked long-grain white rice
480 ml chicken broth
1.5 cups finely chopped onions and bell peppers
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1/4 cup plain flour
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss shrimp with seafood seasoning and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking apart, and cook for about 8 minutes until browned.
Stir in chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Stir well.
Sprinkle in flour and stir until it evenly coats the meat and vegetables.
Slowly pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Fold in cooked rice until evenly coated and heated through. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
Return shrimp to skillet and stir gently to combine. Cook until just warmed through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Use long-grain white rice to keep the texture fluffy and separate.
Adjust the spice level by modifying the chili and cayenne amounts.
Let the rice cool slightly before adding if freshly cooked to avoid mushiness.
Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use pre-cooked shrimp for convenience — just add at the end to warm through.
