Little River Dirty Rice
Little River Dirty Rice combines tender giblets, flavorful vegetables, and spices with rice for a hearty, savory dish perfect for comfort food lovers and those craving authentic flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 or 3 chicken gizzards
- 2 or 3 chicken livers
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley flakes ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground beef ⓘ
- pinch of thyme ⓘ
- red peppers to taste ⓘ
- saltwater ⓘ
- 4 cups cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook gizzards in water to cover until almost done; add livers and cook until tender. Chop the giblets finely.
- Heat butter in a large skillet. Add green onions, onions, celery, and green pepper.
- Cook over low heat until vegetables are soft.
- Add parsley flakes, crushed garlic, chopped giblets, and ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring until well blended.
- Add thyme, salt, and red peppers to taste.
- Add cooked rice and mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated 325°F oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sauté the vegetables until they are caramelized. If you don't have gizzards or livers, you can substitute with additional ground beef or other meats like sausage. Adjust the spices according to your preference, adding smoked paprika for a smoky twist. This dish can also be made vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Little River Dirty Rice alongside a green salad or cornbread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Chevre Patisserie, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. For a heartier option, consider offering a side of sautéed vegetables or a spicy remoulade sauce for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rice mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little River Dirty Rice contains roughly 313 calories, with 10g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (366% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 465mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dirty rice a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option. If you prefer a different flavor, Italian sausage or chorizo can also enhance the dish with their spices.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional seasonings or broths you use are labeled gluten-free. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).