Shrimp Dirty Rice

A hearty, flavor-packed jambalaya-style rice dish bursting with seasoned meats and tender shrimp.

⏱️ Servings & Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Yield: 6 servings

🥘 Dietary Badges:

• High‑Protein • Family‑Friendly • Customizable for Low‑Spice

Ingredients

• Ground beef

• Ground pork sausage

• Shrimp, peeled & deveined

• Cooked white rice

• Chicken broth (or Better Than Bouillon)

• Onion & bell pepper mix, chopped

• Vegetable oil

• Seafood seasoning

• Flour (for thickening)

• Oregano

• Garlic (minced)

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Thyme

• Chili powder

• Black pepper

• Salt

• Cayenne pepper (pinch)

Instructions

1. Season shrimp with seafood seasoning.

2. Sauté shrimp in 2 Tbsp oil until curled (~2–3 min per side). Remove and set aside.

3. Brown meats in remaining oil: cook beef and sausage until lightly browned.

4. Add veggies & garlic: cook until meat is fully done.

5. Stir in spices: oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, salt, cayenne.

6. Thicken: sprinkle flour over mixture; stir, then gradually add broth. Simmer 5–7 minutes.

7. Mix in rice: simmer for another 5 minutes.

8. Return shrimp: stir until everything is heated through.

9. Serve warm, garnish as preferred.

Additional Notes

• Use ripe, high‑quality shrimp for best flavor.

• Substitutions available below for dietary swaps.

• Naturally high‑protein; remove sausage for lower fat option.

Why the “Recipe‑First” Format Works

With everything you need right up front—ingredients, timings, steps—you can dive straight into cooking. Then stay afterwards for my tips, context, and ways to make it your own.

🍤 A Quick Intro

This Shrimp Dirty Rice combines rich, seasoned ground meats with tender shrimp, served over fragrant, savory rice. It’s the kind of comforting, one‑pan meal perfect for feeding the whole family on busy weeknights—or impressing guests without fuss. The spicy, bold seasoning carries Southern charm, and the shrimp add a light seafood twist that makes it feel extra-special.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prep and Sauté Shrimp

Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season shrimp generously with seafood blend, sauté 2–3 minutes per side until they curl into a ‘C’. Set aside—this ensures they stay tender and don’t overcook later.

2. Brown the Meats

In the same pan with 1 Tbsp oil, add ground beef and pork sausage. Break apart and cook until lightly browned. This base brings deep flavor and richness.

3. Add Veggies & Garlic

Toss in chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until veggies soften and meats fully brown—this builds flavor and gives that ‘dirty rice’ vibe.

Tip: If the mix seems dry, splash in a little broth or water to help soften the veggies.

4. Spice It Up

Sprinkle in oregano, thyme, garlic & onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and just a pinch of cayenne. Stir well—this is where the dish comes alive.

5. Make a Pan Gravy

Dust the mixture with flour, stir to coat evenly, then slowly pour in chicken broth. Simmer 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a rich gravy.

6. Add Rice

Stir in cooked rice and simmer another 5 minutes. This allows the grain to soak up all the goodness, giving you flavorful, cohesive rice.

7. Finish with Shrimp

Return the sautéed shrimp to the pan, gently combine, and heat through. Spoon into warmed bowls and serve hot.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

More swaps:

• Gluten‑free: use ¼ cup cornstarch instead of flour.

• Spicy‑free: omit chili powder and reduce cayenne.

• Vegetarian: omit meats, double veggies and add beans or plant‑based sausage.

Equipment note: No fancy gadgets needed—just a heavy skillet or deep sauté pan works wonderfully.

Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Flavor Variations

• Smoky bacon twist: Stir in ½ cup cooked, chopped bacon at step 5.

• Herb freshen: Finish with a handful of chopped parsley or green onions.

• Thai flair: Swap Cajun-style spices for 1 tsp red curry paste + lime zest.

Dietary Variations

• Low‑fat: Use lean beef, turkey sausage, or skip sausage entirely.

• Gluten‑ and dairy‑free: Use cornstarch instead of flour, and choose GF broth.

• Vegetarian option: Swap meat for extra veggies or plant‑based crumbles.

Serving & Presentation

• Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or hot sauce.

• Serve with a crisp green side salad or roasted veggies for balance.

• For gatherings, add a squeeze of lemon or lime for a fresh finish.

Pairing Ideas

A bold drink like an ice-cold lager or Southern-style sweet tea complements the spices nicely. A fruity Sauvignon Blanc also works well!

Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Keeps well for up to 2 months in freezer-safe packs—thaw overnight.

• Reheat: In oven: 350°F for 15–20 min, covered. In microwave: 1‑min bursts, stir between. Add a splash of broth if dry.

Make-Ahead TIP:
Brown the meat and cook the veggies a day ahead; cool and refrigerate. Next day, just rewarm, finish with broth & rice, and add shrimp.

Note on texture:
Rice absorbs flavor over time—this gets tastier on day 2!

Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving)

• Estimated Nutrition:

  • Calories: ~520 kcal

  • Protein: ~30 g | Carbs: ~45 g | Fat: ~25 g

  • Fiber: ~3 g | Sodium: moderate-high (use low-sodium broth if needed)

Diet Tags: High‑Protein • Red‑Meat • Optionally Lighter/Familied‑Friendly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use uncooked rice instead of pre-cooked?
A: You can, but you’ll need about 1¾ cups uncooked rice plus extra broth. Simmer covered until rice absorbs liquid—check packaging directions.

Q: My mixture is too dry—what now?
A: Add 2–4 Tbsp more broth during the rice-step or when reheating. You want a moist, cohesive dish, not dry grains.

Q: Can I freeze the rice?
A: Yes! Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh the texture.

Q: Shrimp got rubbery—any fix?
A: Remove shrimp early—only reheat at the end. Cooking them too long makes them tough, so brief reheating ensures tenderness.

📝 Author Notes

I discovered this twist on classic dirty rice one evening when my kids requested seafood. Adding shrimp brought in a light, savory finish that everyone loved—and it quickly became a family favorite. I often double the portion for weeknight leftovers—it reheats beautifully and tastes even more flavorful the next day.

More Healthy Dinner Ideas

• Healthy Turkey & Black Bean Chili – lean, hearty, and easy to customize

• One‑Skillet Lemon Garlic Chicken & Rice – zesty and quick

• Southwest Quinoa Salad – fresh, veggie-packed, and protein-rich

💬 Let’s Cook Together!

Tried this Shrimp Dirty Rice? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a rating or comment below—bonus points for photos! And if you come up with your own tasty variation, share it on Instagram and tag me @KristyCookRecipes.