Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! Dirty rice is a great make-ahead meal. You can prep the entire dish up to 3–4 days in advance and simply reheat it when ready to serve. I actually think the flavors deepen and improve after a night in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

That depends on your Cajun seasoning. Some store-bought blends are quite mild, while others pack a punch. If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive eaters, start with less and adjust to taste. You can always add heat with hot sauce or cayenne at the end.

Can I use brown rice or another grain?

You can! Brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa will work—but they’ll change the cooking time and texture. Brown rice typically takes 40–45 minutes to cook and needs a bit more broth. I recommend parboiling brown rice first if you’re short on time.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Smoked Andouille sausage is traditional and adds great flavor, but feel free to use what you have. I’ve made this with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, and even plant-based sausage with great results. Try a mild Italian or a spicy chorizo depending on the flavor you want. For a fun twist, you can use a flavored sausage like the one I use in this Chicken Apple Sausage Appetizer —sweet and savory in one bite.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Just leave out the meat and swap in your favorite plant-based protein. I love using sautéed mushrooms for that meaty texture, or you can add crumbled tofu or lentils. Also, make sure to use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.

Dirty Rice with Sausage Easy One Pan Dinner Idea

Name: Dirty Rice with Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 12 ounces pork or chicken sausage, sliced; ½ pound ground beef; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 large red bell pepper, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (rinsed); 3 cups chicken broth; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

A bold, comforting one-skillet Cajun classic made with sausage, ground beef, veggies, and rice—perfect for weeknights, potlucks, and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces pork or chicken sausage, sliced
½ pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (rinsed)
3 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Add ground beef to the same skillet. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly for fluffy grains. Adjust spice level to taste, and feel free to customize with your favorite sausage or add-ins. Leftovers reheat beautifully!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 55mg