Rice Dressing
Dive into the heart of Southern comfort with this Rice Dressing recipe, a savory blend of fluffy long-grain white rice, tender ground beef, and perfectly seasoned vegetables. Infused with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, paprika, and thyme, this dish offers a soul-warming balance of spice and earthiness. For an extra layer of richness, finely chopped chicken livers can be added, enhancing the deep, authentic taste that defines this classic. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone main course, this recipe is easy to prepare, coming together in just under an hour. Garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish, Rice Dressing is a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal, ideal for family gatherings and holiday feasts alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 2 chopped celery stalks
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound, finely chopped (optional) chicken livers
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon or to taste salt
- 0.5 teaspoon, freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish) parsley
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
In a medium pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside.
In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (and chicken livers, if using) to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Season the meat and vegetable mixture with Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Reduce the heat to low and fold the cooked rice into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Mix well to combine everything evenly.
Cover the skillet and let the rice dressing cook together for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving, if desired.
Serve the rice dressing warm as a side dish or a hearty main course. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2455 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 147.4 g | 189% | |
| Saturated Fat | 59.3 g | 296% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1078 mg | 359% | |
| Sodium | 7461 mg | 324% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 164.6 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.2 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.6 g | ||
| Protein | 124.3 g | 249% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 472 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 27.6 mg | 153% | |
| Potassium | 3528 mg | 75% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
