Shrimp Dirty Rice

Featured in Satisfying Main Courses.

Shrimp Dirty Rice combines plump shrimp, browned sausage, and ground beef with a medley of aromatic spices for a dish packed with depth. Everything simmers with vegetables and broth, developing a savory base that absorbs into the rice. The final skillet is hearty yet nuanced, with the shrimp adding gentle sweetness that’s balanced by hints of garlic, cayenne, and fresh herbs. This meal serves up rich flavors and comfort in every bite, making it perfect for gatherings or an elevated weeknight dinner. Enjoy a taste of soulful American cuisine with this satisfying classic.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Sat, 05 Jul 2025 22:50:50 GMT
A bowl of rice with shrimp and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of rice with shrimp and vegetables. | gracefulflavors.com

Shrimp Dirty Rice is the kind of heartwarming family meal that brings everyone to the table, no matter how busy the week has been. Each bite offers juicy shrimp, a savory duo of sausage and beef, and the irresistible flavor core of the Louisiana bayou. This is comfort food with a kick, perfect when you want a dinner that’s both reliable and exciting.

I started serving this after a long Saturday at the park and it instantly became my husband’s favorite—he claims no other rice dish compares

Ingredients

  • Hamburger meat: use fresh ground beef with an 80 percent lean for juiciness
  • Ground beef sausage: provides richness and a hint of spice try to get a high-quality bulk sausage
  • Shrimp: choose large peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor
  • Cooked rice: day-old rice is best since it does not go mushy look for long grain white rice
  • Broth: opt for Better Than Bouillon chicken base or make your own for more flavor depth
  • Mixed onions and bell peppers: get yellow onions and red bell peppers for color and sweetness
  • Vegetable oil: you need this for sautéing use a neutral brand
  • Seafood seasoning: a Cajun style seasoning gives a classic southern flavor
  • Flour: this helps thicken the sauce use all-purpose and sprinkle evenly
  • Oregano: go with dried oregano for warmth and herbal notes
  • Minced garlic: fresh is ideal for punchy taste
  • Thyme: dried or fresh both work for that classic southern herbal undertone
  • Garlic powder: enhances the garlic notes throughout
  • Onion powder: deepens the savoriness
  • Chili powder: adds smokiness and color
  • Pepper and salt: always taste as you go and season more if needed
  • Cayenne: a small pinch wakes up the dish without overpowering

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Shrimp:
Toss peeled and deveined shrimp in seafood seasoning so each piece is lightly coated Let them sit while prepping your other ingredients for best flavor absorption
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat two tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high Once hot, add shrimp Cook for about two to three minutes per side until they curl into a C and turn opaque Remove shrimp to a plate so they stay juicy
Brown the Meat:
In the same skillet add the rest of the oil then the hamburger meat and sausage Break them up as they cook over medium heat Let them brown and render out some fat but do not rush The fond at the bottom brings flavor later
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add chopped onions bell peppers and the minced garlic with your browned meat Stir it all well and cook until veggies have softened and the whole skillet smells aromatic This step makes your whole kitchen smell incredible
Season and Thicken:
Sprinkle on oregano thyme garlic powder onion powder chili powder salt pepper and cayenne Stir well then sprinkle flour over the surface Mix thoroughly to cook off raw flour taste for about one to two minutes
Add the Broth:
Slowly pour in chicken broth using a spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits on the pan bottom Bring to a low simmer so everything thickens and melds about five to seven minutes
Add the Rice:
Add cooked rice right into the pan Stir so the grains soak up all the juices Simmer gently for five minutes Letting it sit helps each grain become deeply flavorful
Finish with Shrimp:
Gently fold the shrimp back into the pan with the hot rice and meats Stir just until the shrimp are heated through and everything looks glossy and irresistible
Serve:
Serve hot from the pan with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like or just as is
A plate of food with rice, shrimp, and sausage. Pin it
A plate of food with rice, shrimp, and sausage. | gracefulflavors.com

The shrimp in this recipe always steals the show I love watching my kids’ faces as they dig out every last one It is those moments that truly make cooking worth it

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to revive the rice’s texture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the ground beef sausage for smoked andouille if you want extra spice For a lighter version use all shrimp and skip the sausage entirely If you are out of bell peppers poblano or even celery can give a similar crunch

Serving Suggestions

I love piling this rice high in a big bowl with a tangy green salad and a squeeze of lemon on top It is hearty enough to be the main event but also pairs nicely with sautéed greens or cornbread

A dish of shrimp and rice. Pin it
A dish of shrimp and rice. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Dirty rice is a staple from Louisiana Creole and Cajun kitchens born from a tradition of turning humble ingredients into celebratory meals While this version piles on extra protein with the shrimp sausage and beef it still keeps the roots of comfort and resourcefulness that define classic southern cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep shrimp tender in this dish?

Sauté the shrimp just until they curl and turn pink, then remove them from the pan. Return the shrimp at the end to avoid overcooking.

→ Can I use different proteins?

Yes, you can substitute chicken, andouille sausage, or even omit the beef for a lighter version, adjusting seasoning as needed.

→ What's the best rice to use?

Long grain white rice is traditional for this dish and remains fluffy when mixed with the other ingredients.

→ How spicy is this meal?

The dish features a mild kick from cayenne and chili powder, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes, gently rewarm in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.

Shrimp Dirty Rice Skillet

Juicy shrimp, sausage, and aromatic rice come together in a hearty, flavorful skillet perfect for dinner.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Proteins

01 1 pound ground hamburger meat
02 1 pound ground beef sausage
03 10-12 shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed

→ Grains

04 4 cups cooked long-grain white rice

→ Liquids

05 2 cups chicken broth (prepared from Better Than Bouillon concentrate)
06 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

→ Vegetables

07 1.5 cups mixed onions and bell peppers, chopped
08 3 teaspoons minced garlic

→ Seasonings

09 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
10 1 tablespoon dried oregano
11 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 1 tablespoon garlic powder
13 1 teaspoon onion powder
14 1 teaspoon chili powder
15 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus additional to taste
16 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
17 Pinch of cayenne pepper

→ Other

18 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Step 01

Toss the shrimp with seafood seasoning to coat evenly.

Step 02

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until curled and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 03

Add remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add ground hamburger meat and ground beef sausage. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until partially browned.

Step 04

Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring, until vegetables are softened and meat is thoroughly browned.

Step 05

Stir in oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper until fragrant.

Step 06

Sprinkle flour evenly over meat mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 07

Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 08

Stir in cooked rice and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring rice is fully incorporated.

Step 09

Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and mix well. Heat until all ingredients are thoroughly warmed.

Step 10

Spoon hot shrimp dirty rice onto plates and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For enhanced flavor, use freshly cooked rice or spread cooked rice on a tray to cool before adding to the skillet to prevent clumping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Stirring spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 500
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 28 g