Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Beef and Rice is a creamy, savory one-pan meal that brings together tender rice, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheese in a comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers hearty flavors with minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
4. Step 4: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Step 5: While the rice simmers, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the milk, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Pour the cheese sauce into the beef and rice mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine and coat the rice and beef with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Let cook uncovered for 2 to 3 more minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving if desired.

Tips & Variations

• If using brown rice, you may need to add more liquid and increase cooking time.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• For extra creaminess, increase the milk or add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for more nutrition and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure it cooks through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving, stirring in a little milk to keep the dish creamy.

Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 94 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Garlic Butter Beef and Rice is a creamy, savory one-pan dish that blends seasoned ground beef, fragrant garlic, and melted cheese with tender long-grain rice. This comforting meal is quick and simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and delivers hearty flavors with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Rice

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook constantly for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it does not brown.
4. Combine rice and broth: Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer rice: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
6. Make cheese sauce: While rice cooks, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add milk, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
7. Mix cheese sauce and rice: Pour cheese sauce into beef and rice mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine and coat evenly.
8. Final cooking: Cook uncovered for 2-3 more minutes to blend flavors and thicken slightly.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish if desired before serving.

Notes

• If using brown rice, increase liquid and cook time accordingly.
• Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner protein.
• For extra creaminess, add more milk or a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
• Leftovers keep well in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for additional nutrition and color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic butter beef and rice, one pan meal, creamy rice dish, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, stovetop beef and rice, cheesy beef rice