Rice Dressing (aka Dirty Rice)

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/15/21
Rice Dressing

bonchan / Getty Images
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings

This rice dressing, also known as "dirty rice," is an easy combination of cooked rice, ground meat, sauteed chicken parts, and chopped aromatic vegetables.​

The rice gets its name from the colors of the different meats. The dish is relatively modern. According to The Encyclopedia of American Food & Drink, it first appeared in print in 1967.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 2 cups chicken livers, finely chopped

  • 3 chicken gizzards, finely chopped

  • Pinch kosher salt

  • Pinch freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or shortening

  • 1 cup chopped celery

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • 1 pepper bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 3 to 4 cups cooked long-grain rice

  • Thinly sliced green onions, or chopped parsley, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Sprinkle the ground beef, chopped chicken livers, and gizzards with salt and pepper.

  2. In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the meats in the vegetable oil or shortening.

  3. Cook, stirring constantly until the meat is browned and no longer pink. 

  4. Add chopped celery, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the meat.

  5. Cook, stirring, until the onions are translucent.

  6. Add a small amount of water.

  7. Cover and simmer on low heat until vegetables are tender.

  8. Add cooked rice and stir gently to combine.

  9. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, to taste.

  10. Cover and let stand until ready to serve.

  11. If desired, garnish with green onions or parsley and fluff with a fork just before serving.

Tips and Variations

  • Replace the ground beef with ground sausage or minced ham or pork.
  • Replace the chicken parts with ground sausage.
  • Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
  • Add 2 teaspoons of sugar to sweeten the mixture slightly.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
507 Calories
21g Fat
37g Carbs
39g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 507
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 28%
Saturated Fat 7g 34%
Cholesterol 369mg 123%
Sodium 150mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 37g 13%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 39g
Vitamin C 44mg 221%
Calcium 66mg 5%
Iron 10mg 53%
Potassium 651mg 14%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)