Instant Pot Dirty Rice Recipe

There’s something about this Instant Pot Dirty Rice that always hits the spot, combining Cajun flavors with ultimate comfort in every bite! It’s super easy to whip up after a long day, and I love how it transforms simple ingredients into a spicy, savory masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo with my favorite TV show.

My Instant Pot Dirty Rice recipe is a savory one-pot wonder that I love for its bold flavors and simplicity. With hearty ground beef or pork sausage, aromatic bell pepper, onion, and celery, plus two cloves of garlic for depth, this dish delivers warmth with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper.

The long-grain white rice, simmered in chicken broth, becomes flavorful and satisfying, perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Garnishing with fresh green onions and parsley offers a fresh contrast to this comforting delight.

Ingredients

Ground beef or pork sausage:
Protein-rich, protein-heavy; protein adds, umami, and savory and hearty flavor.

Bell pepper:
Provides sweetness and vitamins; enhances hue and nutrients.

Onion:
Delivers heady scent; boosts taste toward umami.

Celery:
Adds crunch, fiber; offsets dish with mild bitterness.

Long-grain white rice:
Foundation of the dish; provides carbohydrates to be broken down into usable energy.

Chicken broth:
Incorporates delicious, deep umami flavor into the dish.

Cajun seasoning:
Provides strong, zesty taste that makes the dish.

Its punch helps it stand out.

Smoked paprika:
Imparts a smoky flavor; deepens color and enlivens warmth.

Cayenne pepper:
Heat is optional.

It intensifies the dish’s spiciness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or pork sausage
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Adjust the Instant Pot to current sauté settings and then add exactly 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil has heated up, add either ground beef or ground pork sausage and brown the meat, breaking it up into smaller chunks as it continues to brown.

2. Put the Instant Pot on the Sauté setting. When the display reads “Hot,” add the diced bell pepper, onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

3. Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice to the mix of meat and vegetables. Stir it in well.

4. Add 2 cups of chicken broth, followed by 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Finish with 1 bay leaf. Give everything a stir to combine.

5. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

6. End the sauté mode, ensure the Instant Pot lid is secured, and seal the vent.

7. Cook under high pressure for 8 minutes. When cooking is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release of any remaining pressure.

8. Remove the lid gently and throw away the bay leaf. Take a fork and fluff the rice. Make sure the fork is mixing everything in the pot thoroughly.

9. Taste the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed.

10. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions and fresh chopped parsley. This is a flavorful Instant Pot Dirty Rice that you’re about to enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Sauté function on Instant Pot
3. Measuring spoons
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Fork
8. Ladle (for serving)

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?Certainly. However, you will need to extend the cooking time to 22-24 minutes for the brown rice, since it requires more time to become tender.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?Definitely! Replace the ground meat with sausage made from plants or other vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Is it necessary to use both ground beef and pork sausage?You can use either one. It depends on what you prefer regarding taste.
• How do I adjust the spice level?Cayenne pepper can be modified to fit your level of desired spiciness. If you want minimal to no heat, you can either adjust it way down or just omit it altogether.
• Can I freeze leftovers?Certainly, leftover dirty rice can be frozen for as long as 3 months. Storage, however, must be in an airtight container.
• What side dishes go well with Instant Pot Dirty Rice?A side salad, cornbread, or steamed vegetables complement this dish.

Substitutions and Variations

You may substitute ground turkey or chicken to make it a leaner option, instead of using ground beef or pork sausage.
Poblano or jalapeño peppers can be used instead of bell pepper for a different flavor profile and a touch of spiciness.
Broth from chickens: It is possible to use broth from beef or from vegetables as substitutes.
Make your own Cajun seasoning mix with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.
Substitute with brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Long-grain white rice.

Pro Tips

1. For enhanced flavor, consider using a combination of beef and pork sausage. This blend provides a richer taste and depth to your dish.

2. Toasting the rice slightly in the sautéed vegetables before adding the broth can enhance the nutty flavor of the rice and help prevent it from becoming mushy.

3. If you prefer a more intense flavor, consider deglazing the pot with a splash of chicken broth or white wine after sautéing the vegetables. This helps lift any caramelized bits from the bottom and incorporates them into the dish.

4. Customize the heat level by adjusting the cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to match your preference for spice.

5. Allow the dish to sit for a couple of minutes after cooking. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and makes the rice even more flavorful.