Shrimp Dirty Rice

This vibrant plate of shrimp dirty rice features pan-seared shrimp nestled on a bed of savory rice mixed with seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and Cajun spices. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and hearty flavors—bringing a soulful Southern classic to life with a seafood twist. It’s a bold and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing gatherings.

Why this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing gatherings. (this goes under the main photo of the food)

Why It’s Great for Weeknight Dinners:

• One-pan meal – Less cleanup and all the flavors cook together beautifully.
• Quick to prepare – Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy nights.
• Complete meal – Includes protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish.
• Family-friendly – Bold, familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day, great for leftovers.

Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser:
• Loaded with flavor – A blend of shrimp, sausage, and beef seasoned with Cajun spices.
• Easy to scale – Can be doubled or tripled for parties and gatherings.
• Comfort food favorite – Hearty, satisfying, and full of soul.
• Customizable spice level – Adjust the heat to suit your guests.
• Serves well buffet-style – Holds up great on a warming tray or in a slow cooker.

Shrimp Dirty Rice

Jay (Spinelli)

This shrimp dirty rice is a flavor-packed Southern classic featuring tender shrimp, spiced ground beef, sautéed bell peppers, and fluffy rice, all simmered together in a bold blend of Cajun seasonings for a comforting, one-skillet meal that's bursting with down-home goodness.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 323 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 1 pound Ground Pork Sausage
• 10–12  shrimp (clean and remove the tail)
• 4 cups Cooked Rice
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• ½ cup Onions chopped
• ½ cup Red Bell Peppers
• ½ cup Yellow Bell Peppers
• 3   teaspoons   Chopped Garlic
• ½ tablespoon + ½ tablespoon Canola Oil
•  ¼ cup  Flour
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon  Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Instructions

 

• Season the Shrimp: Lightly season the shrimp with seafood seasoning and set aside.
• Cook the Shrimp:In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of canola oil.Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink.Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
• Cook the Meats:In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.Add the hamburger meat and ground pork sausage. Cook until the meat begins to brown.
• Add Vegetables:Stir in the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic.Cook everything together until the meat is fully browned and the vegetables are tender.
• Season the Mixture:Add the oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine all the seasonings evenly.
• Make the Gravy Base:Sprinkle ¼ cup of flour over the mixture. Stir to coat the ingredients.Slowly pour in the 2 cups of broth, stirring constantly.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Add the Rice:Stir in the 4 cups of cooked rice. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
• Finish with Shrimp:Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Mix gently to combine with the rice and meat.Cook until everything is heated through and well combined.

Video

Recipe Tips

For maximum flavor, brown the ground beef until it forms a deep, caramelized crust before adding the vegetables, this builds a rich base. Then Sautee the shrimp in Cajun butter and folding them in at the end to keep them tender and juicy.

Keyword how to, One-pan meal, Shrimp Dirty Rice