Easy Dirty Rice Recipe

Easy Dirty Rice Recipe perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It’s loaded with smoky meat with some Cajun spices for a fast, flavorful dinner.

This Easy Dirty Rice Recipe is a go-to solution for busy weeknights when you need something hearty, flavorful, and quick. With just a handful of pantry staples like long-grain rice, cured or smoked sausage, and a mix of scallions, shallots or onions – you’ll have a complete one-pot meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

The bold combination of Cajun spices like cayenne, smoked paprika, and dried thyme bring a depth of flavor that tastes like it took hours to cook—without the time commitment. Traditionally Dirty Rice is made with chicken livers or gizzards for that “dirty” look, but this simplified version of dirty rice skips the offal but keeps all the Southern charm.

Cooked pork like a leftover pork chop or pork shoulder add a more approachable and kid-friendly recipe, while still delivering that rich, savory taste you love. Whether you’re new to Cajun cooking or just want a shortcut to an authentic flavor, this easy recipe delivers every time.

*may contain commissioned links

Ingredients

• 2 scallions or shallots – finely diced
• 4 cured or smoked sausage links, about 6 ounces, sliced
• 4 ounces diced cooked pork – chop or pork shoulder
• 3 ounces Pancetta or bacon, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves or 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups cooked long grain rice
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro or parsley
• olive oil for cooking

Tips

• You can add almost any kind of cooked beef, pork or chicken to change up flavors
• brown rice would give this dish a nuttier flavor
• crack eggs over top and steam using lid for a fun brunch twist

(Serves 4)

To Prepare:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Add scallions and stir.  Cook for 3 minutes.
2. Add sausage, pork and Pancetta, stir.  Cook for 4 minutes, allowing meat to brown slightly.
3. Add paprika, garlic powder, thyme, cayenne, salt and pepper, stir.  Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add flour and stir. Cook for 1 minute, then add broth, stir.
5. Add cooked rice and stir to combine.  Cook for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld gently.
6. Sprinkle cilantro over top and stir.  Serve straight from pan.  Enjoy!

This one-pan Easy Dirty Rice Recipe makes a great dish for breakfast, brunch or dinner.  Cajun night should always taste this good.