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Shrimp Dirty Rice: A Flavorful Southern Classic

Shrimp Dirty Rice is a flavorful Southern classic that brings together tender shrimp, savory meats, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice in one hearty dish. With its bold spices and rich taste, this one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners, festive gatherings, or meal prep. Each bite is a celebration of Southern comfort food at its best.  
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:
  • 1 lb hamburger meat
  • 1 lb ground pork sausage
  • 10 –12 shrimp tail-off, deveined
  • 4 cups cooked long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth Better Than Bouillon recommended
  • 1½ cups mixed onions and bell peppers chopped
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup flour
Seasonings and Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper optional

Method
 

Season and Cook the Shrimp:
  1. Season the shrimp with seafood seasoning.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until opaque and slightly golden.
  4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Brown the Meats and Sauté the Vegetables:
  1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
  2. Cook the hamburger meat and ground pork sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
  4. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Add Seasonings and Create the Sauce:
  1. Stir in oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  3. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a thick, flavorful sauce.
  4. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Combine with Rice and Shrimp:
  1. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the meat and sauce.
  2. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  3. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy:
  1. Spoon the Shrimp Dirty Rice onto plates or into bowls.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
  3. Serve hot with a side of green salad or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp enhances the flavor, but thawed frozen shrimp also works well.
  • Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain rice stays fluffy and separates easily, preventing a mushy texture.
  • Adjust Heat Levels: Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for extra spice.