Zesty, slightly spicy, and everything dirty rice should be—without the meat! This Vegan Dirty Rice is a plant-based favorite, packed with bold flavors and hearty textures while keeping it light and nutritious.

This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy classic Creole flavors in a healthier, meat-free version. With a satisfying combination of protein-packed beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices, it’s a meal that will leave you feeling full and energized. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different ingredients, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
How to Make Vegan Dirty Rice
Sauté onions, celery, and chopped beet green stems with grapeseed oil until softened.
Add mashed garbanzo beans, paprika, and Creole seasoning, stirring well to blend flavors.
Stir in grape tomatoes, garlic, black beans, beet green leaves, and cilantro lime rice.
Cook for 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks
- Use leftover rice for a quicker prep time and better texture.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the Creole seasoning.
- Make it oil-free by sautéing vegetables in vegetable broth instead of oil.
- Batch cook and store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Alternative Add-Ins
- Bell Peppers: Swap baby orange peppers for bell peppers in any color.
- Protein Boost: Add crumbled tofu or lentils instead of garbanzo beans.
- Leafy Greens: Kale or spinach can replace beet greens.
- Extra Heat: Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Vegan Dirty Rice is a simple, wholesome dish packed with bold Creole flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal-prep option, this dish delivers on taste and nutrition. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a complete, satisfying plate.
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Bold & Zesty Vegan Dirty Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 – servings 1x
Description
Zesty, bold, and meat-free—this Vegan Dirty Rice is a flavorful Creole-inspired dish that’s easy, customizable, and meal-prep friendly!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp grapeseed oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 bunch beet greens, stems chopped and separated from leaves
- 3 baby orange peppers, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup garbanzo beans, mashed
- 12 grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup black beans
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/4 tbsp Creole seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups cilantro lime rice
Instructions
- In a deep skillet, sauté onions, celery, beet green stems, and baby peppers with grapeseed oil until soft (7-10 minutes).
- Stir in mashed garbanzo beans with paprika and Creole seasoning, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add grape tomatoes, garlic, black beans, beet green leaves, and cilantro lime rice. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Weeknight Meals
FAQ’s for this Vegan Dirty Rice
Yes! Just ensure you have enough servings—two pouches should be enough for a family of four.
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for two minutes or warm a large batch on the stovetop over medium heat.
Yes, if you follow the recipe as written. However, if you substitute certain vegetables like cabbage or radishes, they may not freeze well.
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