Savory Beef Dirty Rice

The smoked paprika really makes this dish special. I found out how amazing it is when a friend from Spain told me to swap my regular paprika for the smoked kind. It adds such richness that everyone thinks there’s a hidden ingredient. Last holiday season I gave small containers of good smoked paprika with cards showing this recipe to family members who couldn’t stop talking about the dish at our Christmas dinner.

Great Side Dishes

This Dirty Rice goes so well with simple sides that add to the meal without stealing the show. Try a fresh green salad with tangy dressing for a nice contrast to the rich flavors. For a true Louisiana meal, serve it with cornbread or warm French bread and butter. The bread is perfect for soaking up all the tasty bits left on your plate. When cooking for friends and family, think about adding some collard greens or okra as true Southern sides.

Ways to Change It Up

What’s great about Dirty Rice is how easy it is to change. Want more heat? Throw in some chopped jalapeños with the bell pepper or add extra Cajun seasoning. Looking for something lighter? Try ground turkey instead of beef, but maybe add a tablespoon of butter since turkey has less fat. Vegetarians can use crumbled firm tofu or a meat substitute plus some mushrooms for that savory depth. You can also swap the chicken broth for veggie broth in that case.

Keeping Leftovers

This dish actually tastes better the next day as all the flavors mix together, making it great for planning meals ahead. Keep leftovers in sealed containers in your fridge for up to four days. When warming it up, add a spoonful of water or broth for each cup of rice to bring back moisture, then cover and heat it gently. Dirty rice freezes really well for up to three months too. Just put portions in freezer containers, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It keeps its texture surprisingly well and won’t get mushy like many frozen rice dishes do.