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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook constantly for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it does not brown.
- Combine rice and broth: Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer rice: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- 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.
- Mix cheese sauce and rice: Pour cheese sauce into beef and rice mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine and coat evenly.
- Final cooking: Cook uncovered for 2-3 more minutes to blend flavors and thicken slightly.
- 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
