Dirty Quinoa Recipe (aka Dirty "Rice")

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Dirty quinoa is a savory, protein-packed dish with bold Cajun flavors. Imagine tender ground beef, fragrant spices, and fluffy cooked quinoa simmering in a rich, flavorful broth-each bite offering warmth, a hint of heat, and smoky depth. This one-pot meal is not only gluten-free but also a hearty, high-protein alternative to traditional dirty rice, bringing all the comfort of a classic Louisiana dish with a nutritious twist.

the completed dirty quinoa dish in a bowl with a fork and topped with green onions

Why You'll Love This Dirty Quinoa Recipe
Ingredient Notes
How to Make Dirty Quinoa
Expert Tips & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Recipe FAQs
More Cajun Inspired Recipes
Dirty Quinoa Recipe (aka Dirty “Rice”)

Why You'll Love This Dirty Quinoa Recipe

If you love the deep, smoky flavors of dirty rice but need a gluten-free, nutrient-dense option, this dirty quinoa is a great choice. It has that signature bold, slightly spicy kick while swapping out rice for protein-rich quinoa, keeping it just as satisfying but with added nutrition. If you're looking for a lighter way to use quinoa, check out this fresh salmon quinoa salad bowl.

Since it's a one-pan meal, like my cajun shrimp and sausage sheet pan, cleanup is simple, and the quinoa absorbs all the rich, savory flavors from the broth and spices. The combination of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and warming seasonings makes this dish naturally gluten-free, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep (like these chicken philly cheesesteak bowls) at the beginning of the week.

By the time it's ready, you'll have a dish that's hearty yet light, layered with umami flavor and just the right amount of spice. Whether you're serving it as a weeknight dinner or incorporating it into a Mardi Gras spread, this is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredient Notes

Here are a few notes on the main ingredients for this dirty quinoa! Jump to the recipe card for the full recipe and exact measurements.

recipe ingredients in small bowls and labeled

Olive oil: For browning the beef. Avocado oil is another good choice.
Ground beef: Provides a hearty base. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
Onion, celery, and green bell pepper: Known as the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, these vegetables add depth, sweetness, and crunch.
Cloves of garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic works best.
Quinoa: The key ingredient, absorbing all the bold flavors while keeping the dish naturally gluten-free. White quinoa is my first choice, but feel free to use tri-color or red quinoa for a chewier texture.
Chicken broth: Adds to the savory taste. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Bay leaves: Adds a subtle, earthy note.
Dried thyme, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne, sea salt, and pepper: This well-balanced spice blend adds warmth, smokiness, and a touch of heat. A store-bought Cajun seasoning mix can also be used.
Diced green onions: Bring a fresh, peppery bite to the dish.
Hot sauce (optional): A drizzle at the end gives extra heat and tanginess.

How to Make Dirty Quinoa

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pan, sauté the onion, celery, green bell pepper, and cloves of garlic for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.

adding spices, quinoa, and broth to the cooked veggies and ground beef

Step 3: Add the uncooked quinoa, cooked ground beef, chicken broth, bay leaves, and spices. Stir everything together, then cover and bring to a boil.

Step 4: Reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The quinoa should absorb all the broth and become tender.

removing the bay leaves from the finished dish

Step 5: Remove the bay leaves.

adding chopped scallions to the top of the dirty quinoa aka dirty rice

Step 6: Garnish with sliced green onions, and serve warm with hot sauce if desired.

Expert Tips & Variations

Stir in cooked andouille sausage or shredded chicken for extra flavor.
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or plant-based sausage and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
To keep it mild, reduce or omit the cayenne. Prefer more heat? Add extra chili powder, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika.
To make a more traditional version of dirty rice, swap the quinoa for long-grain white rice.

a close up of dirty quinoa topped with green onions

Serving Suggestions

This dirty quinoa is a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with:

Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens like collard greens or kale for extra fiber.
Cajun cod with butter and garlic would be amazing served on top of this quinoa.
Gluten-free cornbread to complement the Cajun flavors.
A fall harvest salad with apple cider vinaigrette to lighten up the meal.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Honestly, I think this dish tastes even better the next day! The flavors have more time to develop, making each bite even more delicious. I love making a big batch, portioning it into containers, and enjoying it for easy meals throughout the week

Keep leftovers in a container in the fridge for up to four days. To freeze, portion out into individual servings for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a bit of broth or water to prevent drying out. Microwave in short intervals, about 30 seconds and stir in between.

an overhead shot of quinoa mixed with ground beef and cajun spices in a bowl topped with green onions.

Recipe FAQs

What is dirty quinoa?

Dirty quinoa is a gluten-free twist on traditional dirty rice, featuring the same bold, Cajun-inspired flavors but using quinoa instead of white or brown rice. It's a hearty, high-protein dish that's both satisfying and nutritious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it ideal for meal prep. You can also freeze portions for easy, future meals.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate spice level, depending on the cayenne and chili powder. If you prefer a milder dish, use less of the cayenne or leave it out completely. If you love heat, add extra hot sauce when serving.

Can I use a different protein?

Yep! Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles like tofu or tempeh work well in place of the ground beef.

Doesn't dirty rice (or dirty quinoa in this case) usually have chicken liver in it?

Yes! Traditional dirty rice typically includes chicken livers (or sometimes gizzards) to give it that deep, rich flavor and slightly "dirty" appearance. However, this dirty quinoa recipe keeps the bold Cajun spices and hearty texture while skipping the liver, making it more accessible for those who aren't fans of organ meats.