Description
This Easy Dirty Rice with Shrimp is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender shrimp, seasoned ground beef, and colorful vegetables with perfectly cooked brown rice. Infused with Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne, and thyme, this dish delivers a savory and slightly spicy kick. Quick and simple to prepare, it makes a perfect comforting dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Rice and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked brown rice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon thyme
Shrimp
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Meat
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 orange), chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
Finishing Touch
- 2 scallions, chopped
- Oil for cooking (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Cook brown rice according to package directions using water. Add 1 bay leaf, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, 1/8 teaspoon paprika, and 1/8 teaspoon thyme to the cooking water for infused flavor. Set the rice aside when tender.
- Cook the shrimp: In a skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for approximately 5 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables and brown beef: Discard any liquid left in the skillet from cooking shrimp, then add another tablespoon of oil and heat over medium-high. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, celery, and bell peppers. Sauté on medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, remaining 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. Add ground beef and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, breaking it up, until fully cooked and browned.
- Combine and finish: Add the cooked rice and shrimp back into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Toss well to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat to meld flavors. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped scallions.
Notes
- You can substitute white rice if preferred, but brown rice adds nuttiness and more fiber.
- For more heat, increase cayenne pepper to taste.
- Make sure to peel and devein shrimp for best texture and taste.
- Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- This dish reheats well and is ideal for meal prep.
