This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
The Best Baked Dirty Rice with Ground Beef: Baked Dirty Rice is one of those cozy, comforting dishes that feels a little extra special, without being any harder to make. My baked dirty rice with ground beef is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those nights when you want something warm, filling, and hands-off once it hits the oven.
Instead of standing over the stove, everything , letting the rice soak up all the savory beef, spices, and broth. Using ground beef keeps this version affordable and approachable, while still delivering that bold, Southern-inspired flavor baked dirty rice is known for. My kids love this hearty dinner!
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
How To Make Baked Dirty Rice Packed With Flavor
This baked dirty rice with ground beef is a cozy, oven-baked dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Everything cooks together in one dish for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
If you have pre-cooked ground beef that has been crumbled for meal prep, you can use it right away in this recipe. Otherwise, brown and crumble with vegetables before adding to dish for baking. If you brown beef in a pot with an oven safe handle and lid, you can use the same pot for the entire dish!
Ingredients for The Best Baked Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef (85–90% lean) – Forms the hearty base of the dish, adding rich, savory flavor without excess grease.
- Onion – Softens as it cooks, adding sweetness and depth that builds the foundation of the dish.
- Bell pepper – Brings mild sweetness, color, and classic Southern flavor to the rice.
- Garlic – Adds aromatic depth and boosts the overall savory profile.
- Long-grain white rice (uncooked) – Absorbs the seasoned broth and beef juices as it bakes, becoming tender and flavorful.
- Diced green chilies – Add gentle heat and a subtle tang that brightens the dish without overpowering it.
- Beef broth – Provides moisture and rich flavor, allowing the rice to cook evenly in the oven.
- Cajun seasoning – Delivers bold, Southern-style spice and ties all the flavors together.
- Smoked paprika – Adds a light smoky note that deepens the overall flavor.
- Salt and black pepper – Enhance and balance the flavors throughout the dish.
- Olive oil – Helps brown the beef and vegetables, adding richness and preventing sticking.
- Parsley or green onions – Finish the dish with a fresh pop of color and brightness.
How I Make This Baked Dirty Rice on Busy Nights
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
Brown and Crumble Beef
In a large pan with olive oil, brown and crumble beef.
Soften Onion
Add onion and cook until onion is soft and beef is cooked through.
Bake
Add to prepped casserole or baking dish with all other ingredients. Stir to combine.
Let Rest
Let rice rest 5-10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Serve
Garnish with parsley, cilantro, or chives and enjoy!
Tips to Make One-Dish Baked Dirty Rice For The Best Flavor
Lean Beef: Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the casserole. Drain excess fat if using higher fat beef.
Bake Covered: Cover tightly while baking so the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid.
Stir: Stir halfway through baking to distribute the beef and seasoning throughout.
Rest and Fluff: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so the rice finishes setting up, then fluff with a fork.
Baked Dirty Rice Spice Level: Kid-Friendly vs. Cajun
This baked dirty rice is easy to adjust depending on who you’re feeding.
- Kid-Friendly / Mild: Use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount by half. Skip any added cayenne or hot sauce, and let everyone add heat at the table if they want.
- Classic Cajun: Use full-strength Cajun seasoning and add cayenne, hot sauce, or extra black pepper for a bold, spicy finish.
Make Ahead Dirty Rice & Freezer Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting cold.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze baked or unbaked dirty rice tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the rice.
What to Serve With Baked Dirty Rice
Baked Dirty Rice
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, 85–90% lean
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed for browning
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 or similar).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, green chilies, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and pour in the beef broth. Stir to combine evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from oven, stir gently, and let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
Notes
- Keep the dish tightly covered so the rice cooks evenly.
- Let rest before serving so the rice finishes absorbing liquid.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Common Questions About Baked Dirty Rice
Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well in baked dirty rice.
The dish may need more liquid or tighter coverage. Make sure the casserole is well covered and fully baked.
No. The rice cooks directly in the oven, absorbing the broth and beef juices.
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.
