Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and indulging in delicious food. And no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a hearty side of dirty rice. This classic Cajun dish is a flavorful and filling addition to any holiday feast. With its blend of rice, meat, and spices, it's no wonder that dirty rice has become a staple in many Thanksgiving celebrations. In this article, we'll share our featured recipe for Thanksgiving dirty rice that is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Bay Leaves, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Mustard
Dirty rice is a classic Cajun dish that has become a staple in Southern cooking. It's a rich and flavorful dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables. This dish gets its name from the "dirty" appearance of the rice, which is a result of being cooked with a variety of seasonings and meat. It's a perfect side dish for any occasion, and can even be the star of the show when paired with beer can chicken.
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Cajun Dirty Rice
Main Ingredients: Andouille Sausage, Bay Leaves, Cajun Seasoning, Dry
Cajun dirty rice is a variation of the traditional dish that adds a spicy kick to the mix. It's made with ingredients such as Cajun seasoning, ground beef, and Andouille sausage. The combination of these flavors creates a dish that is bold and satisfying. It's the perfect pairing for a flavorful beer can chicken, and will surely impress your taste buds.
This version of dirty rice is a Southern classic that has been passed down for generations. It's a simple yet delicious dish made with rice, onions, celery, and ground meat. It's a staple at family gatherings and holidays, and it's no surprise why. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish make it a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Cajun Dirty Rice With Ground Beef
Main Ingredients: Rice, Ground Beef, Onions, Carrots, Garlic, Green Peas
This variation on Cajun dirty rice uses ground beef as its main protein. The beef adds a rich and hearty flavor to the dish, and pairs well with the Cajun spices and rice. It's an easy dish to make and is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Mardi Gras Dirty Rice with Red Beans
Main Ingredients: Hot Sausage, Lean Ground Beef, Red Kidney Beans, Bell
This version of dirty rice is perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras or any other festive occasion. It combines the traditional flavors of dirty rice with the addition of red beans, creating a dish that is both colorful and flavorful. The red beans add a creamy texture to the dish and pair well with the spices and rice. Serve it with beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner on a Sheet Pan
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Carrot, Celery, White Onion, Garlic, Rice
This sheet pan dinner is a perfect option for vegetarians or for those looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. It combines the flavors of Thanksgiving with a vegetarian twist, including a delicious dirty rice made with a variety of vegetables and seasonings. The dish is baked on a sheet pan along with beer can chicken, making for an easy and flavorful meal.
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Everyday Thanksgiving Casserole
Main Ingredients: Knorr Rice Sides Creamy Chicken, Cut Up Cooked
This Thanksgiving casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when you're craving the flavors of the holiday. It combines the traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, such as stuffing and sweet potatoes, with a delicious dirty rice made with ground meat and Cajun seasonings. It's a one-pan dish that can be served alongside beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Thanksgiving Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
Main Ingredients: Acorn Squash, Olive Oil, Salt, Cracked Pepper, Wild
This dish takes the flavors of Thanksgiving and presents them in a unique and delicious way. The acorn squash is stuffed with a flavorful wild rice mixture, including ingredients such as cranberries, pecans, and a variety of spices. It's a perfect side dish for beer can chicken, and it adds a touch of elegance to any holiday meal.
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Easy Dirty Rice
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Medium Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery
This easy dirty rice recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and flavorful. It's made with ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, such as rice, onions, and ground meat. The dish comes together in just one pot, making for easy clean-up. Serve it with beer can chicken for a delicious and effortless meal.
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Dirty Rice with Beans and Andouille Sausage
Main Ingredients: Andouille Sausage, Rice, Water, Vegetable Broth, Olive
This version of dirty rice is packed with protein and flavor. The addition of beans and Andouille sausage creates a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a filling dinner. The beans add a creaminess to the dish, while the sausage adds a spicy kick. Serve it with beer can chicken for a complete and delicious meal.
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Homemade Dirty Rice
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Turkey Sausage, Creole Seasoning, Celery
Making dirty rice from scratch may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple. This recipe uses a variety of seasonings and ingredients to create a flavorful and authentic dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. It's a great option for those looking to impress their guests or for a special occasion.
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Vegan Dirty Rice
Main Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Small Yellow Onion, Beet Greens, Orange
This vegan version of dirty rice is perfect for those following a plant-based diet or for anyone looking for a healthier option. It uses a variety of vegetables and seasonings to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs well with beer can chicken. It's a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy this classic Cajun dish.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Butter Margarine, Medium Onion, Celery Stalks, Kosher
This stuffing recipe is a great alternative to the traditional bread stuffing. It incorporates dirty rice, giving it a unique and flavorful twist. The dish is packed with traditional Thanksgiving flavors, such as sage and thyme, and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. It's a perfect option for your holiday meal.
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Dirty Rice Taquitos
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Marinade, Rice, Diced Tomatoes With Green
These dirty rice taquitos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. The rice is rolled up in a tortilla and baked until crispy, creating a perfect finger food for parties or game nights. Serve them alongside beer can chicken for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Ground Beef Dirty Rice
Main Ingredients: Bacon Grease, Ground Beef, Celery, Bell Pepper, Garlic
This version of dirty rice uses ground beef as its main protein, making it a heartier and more filling dish. The beef is cooked with a variety of Cajun seasonings and combined with the rice, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve it with beer can chicken for a complete and delicious dinner.
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Thanksgiving "Risotto"
Main Ingredients: Fresh Cranberries, Onion, Carrots, Low Sodium Vegetable
This dish is a twist on the traditional Risotto, using dirty rice instead of Arborio rice. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that is packed with traditional Thanksgiving flavors. It's a perfect side dish for beer can chicken and adds a touch of elegance to any holiday meal.
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New Orleans Dirty Rice
Main Ingredients: Breakfast Sausage, Chicken Livers, Ground Beef
This dish is a classic in New Orleans cuisine, and for good reason. It's made with a variety of meats, including chicken livers, which give it a unique and rich flavor. The dish is packed with spices and seasonings, creating a bold and satisfying meal. Serve it with beer can chicken for a true taste of New Orleans.
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Healthy Collard Green Dirty Rice Wraps
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Water, Long Grain Rice, Collard Green
These healthy collard green wraps are a great option for those looking to cut back on carbs or for a lighter meal. The dirty rice is wrapped in collard greens and topped with a variety of fresh vegetables, creating a dish that is both flavorful and nutritious. Serve it with beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Dirty Rice Dressing
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Celery, Medium Onion, Andouille
Dirty rice dressing is a classic Cajun dish that is often served at holiday meals. It's packed with traditional flavors and ingredients, such as onions, celery, and Cajun seasonings. It's a perfect side dish for beer can chicken and adds a touch of Southern charm to any meal.
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Dirty Rice Casserole
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Mild Pork Sausage, Onion, Bell Pepper
This dirty rice casserole is a great option for those looking for a hearty and filling meal. It combines the flavors of dirty rice with ground meat and a variety of vegetables, creating a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Serve it with beer can chicken for a complete and delicious dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need
Rice
To make the perfect dirty rice, you'll need 2 cups of long-grain white rice. This type of rice is essential for achieving the right texture and consistency in the dish.
Meat
Dirty rice is traditionally made with pork sausage, but you can also use ground beef or a combination of both. For extra flavor, we recommend using Andouille sausage, a spicy Cajun sausage.
Vegetables and Seasonings
To give your dirty rice that signature Cajun flavor, you'll need green bell peppers, celery, and onions. These vegetables, known as the "holy trinity" in Cajun cooking, provide a savory base for the dish. You'll also need garlic, parsley, thyme, and Cajun seasoning to add depth and spice.
Chicken Broth
To cook the rice, you'll need 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This will infuse the rice with even more flavor and ensure that it's perfectly cooked.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat
While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, celery, and onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the garlic, parsley, thyme, and Cajun seasoning, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rice and sausage to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Let everything cook together for an additional 5 minutes, until all the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dirty rice is heated through, remove it from the heat and serve it hot. You can garnish with some additional chopped parsley for a pop of color. Your Thanksgiving dirty rice is now ready to be enjoyed!
In conclusion, Thanksgiving dirty rice is a delicious and easy side dish that is perfect for the holiday season. With its blend of rice, meat, and spices, it's a hearty and flavorful addition to any Thanksgiving dinner. Try out this featured recipe and impress your guests with your Cajun cooking skills. Happy Thanksgiving!
