STACKED SHRIMP DIRTY RICE

Introduction

If you love bold flavors, tender shrimp, and the rich taste of seasoned rice, this Stacked Shrimp Dirty Rice recipe is for you. Inspired by traditional Louisiana dirty rice but taken to the next level with shrimp and sausage, this dish is both filling and packed with layers of flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. With every bite, you’ll taste smoky sausage, seasoned ground beef, and the briny sweetness of shrimp balanced with aromatic vegetables and spices.

My recipe story

This recipe was born from my love of Southern comfort food. I grew up eating classic dirty rice, often flavored with chicken livers or gizzards, but I wanted a version that felt a little more elevated for entertaining. That’s when shrimp came into the picture. By layering shrimp on top of the seasoned rice mixture, it creates a stacked effect that makes the presentation just as impressive as the flavor. It’s a recipe that has quickly become a family favorite, especially when I want to serve something hearty but with a restaurant-quality flair. Plus, it reminds me of Louisiana-style cooking while still being approachable enough for home kitchens everywhere.

Ingredient breakdown

At the heart of this recipe is the trinity of Cajun cooking: onion, bell pepper, and celery. These aromatic vegetables form the base flavor that ties the meats and rice together. Garlic and Cajun seasoning elevate the dish with a punch of warmth and spice, while chicken broth adds moisture and richness.

The proteins—hamburger meat, ground pork sausage, and shrimp—create a dynamic trio. The beef provides depth, the sausage gives a smoky-spicy bite, and the shrimp brings a fresh seafood flavor that lightens the dish. Long-grain white rice soaks up all those juices, becoming infused with layers of savory flavor. A garnish of fresh parsley or green onions adds brightness and color to the final dish.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large heavy skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving platter or deep bowl for presentation

Step-by-step directions

1. Brown the meats: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the hamburger meat and ground pork sausage. Break them apart with a wooden spoon as they cook, allowing the fats to render and the edges to develop a golden crust. Drain any excess grease to avoid greasiness, but keep enough to flavor the rice.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Stir them into the meats and cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. These vegetables are essential for building the foundation of Cajun flavor and will infuse the dish as they release their natural sweetness.
3. Season and simmer: Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This liquid will later be absorbed by the rice, carrying all the flavors with it.
4. Add the rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Make sure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture so it can cook consistently. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the rice absorb the broth, usually about 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Prepare the shrimp: While the rice cooks, season the shrimp lightly with a pinch of Cajun seasoning. In a separate small skillet, sauté them for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook.
6. Stack and serve: Once the rice is tender and fully cooked, fluff it with a fork. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top in a “stacked” style for a beautiful presentation. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy warm.

Variations & substitutions

One of the best things about dirty rice is its versatility. You can swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. For extra spice, choose hot pork sausage instead of mild. If shrimp isn’t your thing, crawfish tails or diced chicken breast make excellent substitutes. Vegetarians can try a plant-based sausage and mushrooms in place of meat for a hearty texture. And if you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. Keep cooled dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the texture. You can also prepare the meat and vegetable mixture a day in advance, then cook the rice and shrimp fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Serving ideas & pairings

Serve this Stacked Shrimp Dirty Rice as a hearty main dish with simple sides like cornbread, collard greens, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For drinks, consider sweet iced tea, a cold beer, or even a refreshing sparkling water with lime. At parties, you can serve it in smaller bowls or ramekins for a stylish individual portion.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe without shrimp?
Yes, you can simply leave out the shrimp or replace it with chicken, crawfish, or extra sausage.

Is dirty rice spicy?
It has a mild spice from Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot sausage and adding more or less spice.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but cooking time will increase by about 15–20 minutes, and you may need extra broth.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make a quick substitute with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper.

How do I keep the rice from turning mushy?
Use long-grain rice, measure liquid carefully, and avoid stirring too much during cooking.

Final thoughts

This Stacked Shrimp Dirty Rice is the kind of dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. It’s rustic yet elegant, hearty yet versatile, and deeply satisfying with every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or serving it at a gathering, it’s bound to impress. The balance of savory meats, tender rice, and succulent shrimp makes it a recipe worth keeping in your rotation. Give it a try, and you may just discover a new favorite way to enjoy Cajun-inspired cooking.

STACKED SHRIMP DIRTY RICE

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A hearty Southern-inspired one-pan meal packed with savory ground meats, juicy shrimp, and flavorful rice. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb hamburger meat
• 1 lb ground pork sausage

• 10–12 shrimp, tails removed and deveined

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the hamburger meat and sausage, breaking them apart as they cook, until browned and no longer pink.

2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.

3. Stir in the cooked rice, paprika, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well to coat the rice with the seasonings.
4. Add the shrimp on top of the rice mixture and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

5. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and fresh parsley before serving.
   

Notes

 For extra flavor, splash in a little chicken stock while cooking the rice mixture. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American