Shrimp Dirty Rice combines plump shrimp, browned sausage, and ground beef with a medley of aromatic spices for a dish packed with depth. Everything simmers with vegetables and broth, developing a savory base that absorbs into the rice. The final skillet is hearty yet nuanced, with the shrimp adding gentle sweetness that’s balanced by hints of garlic, cayenne, and fresh herbs. This meal serves up rich flavors and comfort in every bite, making it perfect for gatherings or an elevated weeknight dinner. Enjoy a taste of soulful American cuisine with this satisfying classic.
Shrimp Dirty Rice is the kind of heartwarming family meal that brings everyone to the table, no matter how busy the week has been. Each bite offers juicy shrimp, a savory duo of sausage and beef, and the irresistible flavor core of the Louisiana bayou. This is comfort food with a kick, perfect when you want a dinner that’s both reliable and exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Great way to use up leftover rice
Blends shrimp sausage and beef for big bold flavor
A family comfort meal loaded with protein
Customizes easily to suit spice levels
Comes together in one pan for easy cleanup
I started serving this after a long Saturday at the park and it instantly became my husband’s favorite—he claims no other rice dish compares
Ingredients
Hamburger meat: use fresh ground beef with an 80 percent lean for juiciness
Ground beef sausage: provides richness and a hint of spice try to get a high-quality bulk sausage
Shrimp: choose large peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor
Cooked rice: day-old rice is best since it does not go mushy look for long grain white rice
Broth: opt for Better Than Bouillon chicken base or make your own for more flavor depth
Mixed onions and bell peppers: get yellow onions and red bell peppers for color and sweetness
Vegetable oil: you need this for sautéing use a neutral brand
Seafood seasoning: a Cajun style seasoning gives a classic southern flavor
Flour: this helps thicken the sauce use all-purpose and sprinkle evenly
Oregano: go with dried oregano for warmth and herbal notes
Minced garlic: fresh is ideal for punchy taste
Thyme: dried or fresh both work for that classic southern herbal undertone
Garlic powder: enhances the garlic notes throughout
Onion powder: deepens the savoriness
Chili powder: adds smokiness and color
Pepper and salt: always taste as you go and season more if needed
Cayenne: a small pinch wakes up the dish without overpowering
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the Shrimp:
Toss peeled and deveined shrimp in seafood seasoning so each piece is lightly coated Let them sit while prepping your other ingredients for best flavor absorption
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat two tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high Once hot, add shrimp Cook for about two to three minutes per side until they curl into a C and turn opaque Remove shrimp to a plate so they stay juicy
Brown the Meat:
In the same skillet add the rest of the oil then the hamburger meat and sausage Break them up as they cook over medium heat Let them brown and render out some fat but do not rush The fond at the bottom brings flavor later
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add chopped onions bell peppers and the minced garlic with your browned meat Stir it all well and cook until veggies have softened and the whole skillet smells aromatic This step makes your whole kitchen smell incredible
Season and Thicken:
Sprinkle on oregano thyme garlic powder onion powder chili powder salt pepper and cayenne Stir well then sprinkle flour over the surface Mix thoroughly to cook off raw flour taste for about one to two minutes
Add the Broth:
Slowly pour in chicken broth using a spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits on the pan bottom Bring to a low simmer so everything thickens and melds about five to seven minutes
