This dirty rice from Texas Roadhouse has bold spices, tender meat, and just the right balance of heat and richness in every bite!
Cooking the rice in broth instead of water makes a huge difference, giving it a deep, savory taste right from the start.
I cook the sausage until it develops a deep brown crust, which adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.
Using Cajun seasoning brings in that famous Southern kick, but I make sure to taste as I go so it doesn’t get too salty.
The way the flavors soak into the rice makes this dish one that’s hard to stop eating!
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Dirty Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-Grain Rice
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Onion (diced)
- 1 cup Bell Pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Set aside.
Step 2:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3:
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the cooked beef.
Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4:
Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine with the beef and vegetables.
Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Step 5:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
Cook for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose the Right Meat
Using a higher-fat content ground beef enhances the dish’s flavors and contributes richness to the rice.
Adjust Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper if you like it spicier or milder, to suit your taste preferences.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh onions, peppers, and garlic will bring out more robust flavors compared to dried or pre-packaged options.
Let the Rice Rest
Once you finish cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together perfectly.
Get Creative
You can add extra veggies like celery or carrots for additional texture and flavor enhancements.
By following these steps, you’re all set to enjoy some delicious homemade Texas Roadhouse Dirty Rice!
What to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Dirty Rice
Grilled Cajun Shrimp
Combining Cajun shrimp with Texas Roadhouse Dirty Rice is like bringing two flavorful worlds together.
The spicy, peppery shrimp enhances the earthy rice, creating a mouthwatering combination you’ll savor.
Grilling the shrimp not only adds a touch of smokiness but also complements the rice’s robust flavors.
Fried Okra
Fried okra brings a crunchy, slightly nutty element to the meal that goes hand-in-hand with the Texas Roadhouse Dirty Rice.
Its crispy texture adds a fun contrast that pairs splendidly with the rice’s savory taste.
You might be surprised just how well the two work together.
Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
For something a bit unexpected, try serving Greek yogurt coleslaw alongside your dirty rice.
This creamy, tangy side dish provides a refreshing counterbalance to the spicy rice.
The yogurt’s texture and coolness adds a unique twist.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts might not be the first choice with dirty rice, but they’re a fantastic pairing.
They offer a slightly bitter taste with a caramelized finish that matches well with the rice.
Roasting them with a splash of lemon juice can add a zing that brightens the whole plate.
Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread muffins naturally belong on the table with Texas Roadhouse Dirty Rice.
Their sweet and crumbly texture plays nicely with the rice without overpowering its depth.
You can even add a touch of honey butter to the muffins for a sweet twist.
Variations and Substitutions
Adjusting the Spice Level
You can tailor the spice profile to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
If you love a little heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick!
On the other hand, for a milder taste, you can omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
Stock and Broth Options
You might try using chicken broth instead of beef stock for a lighter flavor profile.
Vegetable broth can be a great alternative if you’re aiming for a vegetarian version.
If you prefer a richer taste, stick with beef broth or stock!
Additional Ingredients
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for more color and texture.
Sautéed mushrooms could be a hearty addition if you’re into earthy flavors.
You could even mix in some cooked sausage or shrimp for a unique twist to the dish!
Rice Alternatives
Consider using brown rice if you’d like a healthier alternative to white rice.
Wild rice adds a different texture and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices.
For a unique touch, quinoa can also be used, though it will change the overall texture.
How to Store Leftover Texas Roadhouse Dirty Rice
Cool It Down
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, make sure to let the rice cool to room temperature before storing it.
This is important to prevent condensation in your storage container.
Choose a Proper Container
Use an airtight container to store your leftover rice.
Glass containers or resealable plastic bags work great for this.
Refrigerate or Freeze
Place the cooled rice in your container and store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days.
If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it to maintain its flavor and texture.
Label and Date
Don’t forget to add a label with the date before storing it, so you know how long it’s been in there.
Leftover rice can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to two months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Rinse Step
You might be tempted to skip washing the rice, but this can lead to a sticky texture instead of that fluffy finish you want.
Rinsing gets rid of excess starch that causes clumping, so don’t rush past this important step.
Not Toasting the Rice
Toasting the rice gives it a nutty flavor that sets it apart from plain rice.
If you skip this step, you might miss out on that rich depth of taste.
Just a few minutes in the pan can make all the difference.
Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments
Often, people forget to adjust seasonings to their taste preferences.
The amount of paprika and cayenne can be fine-tuned for your desired heat level.
Feel free to tweak these spices so the flavors are just the way you like!

Texas Roadhouse Dirty Rice Recipe
- 2 cups Long-Grain Rice
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Onion diced
- 1 cup Bell Pepper diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the cooked beef.
- Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine with the beef and vegetables.
- Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Cook for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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