If you're craving a deeply flavorful, soul-warming dish that packs a little heat and a lot of personality, this vegan dirty rice with Beyond Meat and creole spices is going to become a favorite in your kitchen. Inspired by the classic cajun dirty rice recipe, this vegan twist stays true to the bold, spicy, and savory character of the original while embracing a plant-based approach. Whether you're looking to jazz up your dinner rotation with spicy rice recipes or you're on a real food diet and want something hearty and wholesome, this dish checks all the boxes. It's smoky, meaty (without the meat), packed with umami, and perfect for weeknights or crowd-pleasing gatherings.
Vegan Dirty Rice with Beyond Meat and Creole Spices
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large skillet or sauté pan A cast-iron skillet works beautifully here to get that bit of char on the Beyond Meat and veggies.
Medium saucepan For cooking the rice. A rice cooker can be used, but the stovetop method gives you more control over texture.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula For sautéing and stirring everything together.
Knife & cutting board For prepping your holy trinity (onion, celery, and bell pepper).
For the Rice
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice you can sub with brown or black rice for a black rice recipe dinner twist
- 3 cups vegetable broth for more flavor than water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Veggie + “Meat” Mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
- 1 package 14 oz Beyond Meat ground (or any other plant-based ground sausage)
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced
- 1 celery stalk finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup mushrooms finely chopped (adds great texture for a dirty rice with mushrooms version)
For the Creole Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Add-ins
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or coconut aminos for umami
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste for richness
- ½ cup cooked lentils to incorporate a bit of that rice and lentils recipe goodness
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
- Dash of hot sauce or a splash of lemon juice to finish
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add your rice and toast it for 2–3 minutes to develop some nutty depth. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover. Simmer for 15–18 minutes or until rice is fluffy and cooked. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat another tablespoon of oil or vegan butter in a large skillet. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery—this trio is known as the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking. Sauté over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Sauté another 3–5 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and brown slightly. This adds that rich, earthy base you expect in homemade dirty rice.
Step 3: Brown the Beyond Meat
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Add your plant-based ground meat to the other side and break it up with a spatula. Let it brown undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to get some caramelization, then mix everything together.
If using tomato paste, stir it in now and let it cook for a minute or two to deepen its flavor.
Step 4: Season Everything
Sprinkle in the Creole spice blend and stir well to coat the entire mixture. Let it cook for another 3–5 minutes so the spices bloom and everything melds together. Add a splash of soy sauce or coconut aminos if you want a little more savory depth.
Step 5: Combine and Fluff
Fold the cooked rice into the skillet with the seasoned veggie and Beyond Meat mixture. Mix well, letting the rice absorb all that smoky, spicy goodness. Let it sit over low heat for 2–3 minutes so the flavors really marry.
Finish with fresh parsley or green onions and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Pairings
This dish is a bold main course, but it plays well with others! Here are some fantastic pairings:
- Vegan red beans and rice: Serve a scoop of dirty rice alongside this Southern staple for a double feature of vegan comfort food. It's a filling combo that nods to New Orleans-style cooking.
- Cornbread or Corn Muffins: The slightly sweet contrast of cornbread balances the heat in the rice.
- Grilled or Roasted Veggies: Think okra, zucchini, or charred corn. These keep it seasonal and add color to your plate.
- Greens: Collard greens, mustard greens, or even kale sautéed with garlic and a splash of vinegar make a fantastic side.
- Cold Slaw or Pickled Veggies: A tangy cabbage slaw or pickled onions offer a crunchy, bright contrast that cuts through the richness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different plant-based protein instead of Beyond Meat?
Absolutely. Crumbled tofu, tempeh, or lentils can all work well in this dish. Lentils, especially brown or green, give great texture and are often used in rice and lentils recipes for protein and heartiness.
2. Is there a substitute for mushrooms in this recipe?
If you're not a mushroom fan, you can skip them or replace them with finely chopped eggplant or zucchini. But mushrooms add a depth and meatiness that closely mimics the classic dirty rice with sausage.
3. What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is traditional and holds up well, but feel free to experiment. Brown rice adds more chew and nutrition, while black rice adds visual drama and an antioxidant punch—great for black rice recipe dinners.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
5. Is this a good option for meal prep?
Absolutely. This vegan dirty rice is filling, protein-packed, and versatile. Portion it into containers with some sautéed greens or roasted veggies and you have a solid meal prep staple that supports a real food diet.
