Ruth'S Dirty Rice
Ruth's Dirty Rice is a flavorful, hearty dish combining seasoned ground meat with vegetables and spicy seasonings, served over hot rice—perfect for comfort food lovers and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the flour in oil and add chopped onions, celery, and green pepper. Cook until tender.
- Stir in ground meat and seasonings. Continue cooking until the meat loses its red color.
- Blend in the chicken broth.
- Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice and chopped green onion tops.
- Cook for 5 minutes longer before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of beef and pork for the ground meat. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be used. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust the spices to your taste, especially if you prefer a milder dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ruth's Dirty Rice as a standalone dish or alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with New Orleans Style Gumbo or a fresh green salad for a light contrast. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for an added touch of freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dirty rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruth'S Dirty Rice contains roughly 191 calories, with 6g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1291mg per serving (56% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for a healthier option, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time. You may want to adjust the amount of broth and simmer longer to ensure the rice is fully cooked and absorbs the flavors.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to customize the vegetable mix by adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all vegetables are tender but not overcooked.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness of Ruth's Dirty Rice can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe includes black and red pepper, but you can reduce or omit them to make it milder. Alternatively, you can add hot sauce when serving for those who enjoy a kick.
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).