Description
Garlic Butter Beef & Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender ground beef cooked in fragrant garlic butter with fluffy long grain rice, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheddar and parmesan cheese sauce. This easy-to-make dish delivers hearty, savory flavors and cheesy textures perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, family-friendly and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
Fat & Aromatics
- 2 tbsp garlic butter
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (use gluten-free if needed)
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Optional Herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs: thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, then set the beef aside.
- Sauté Aromatics in Garlic Butter: Lower the heat to medium and melt the garlic butter in the same skillet. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for the entire dish.
- Toast the Rice: Stir the rice into the skillet with the aromatics, letting it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. Toasting gives the rice a subtle nutty flavor and prepares it to absorb the cooking liquid evenly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Return the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Stir in the Cheddar Parmesan Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth, coating every grain of rice and morsel of beef in cheesy goodness. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle your favorite herbs or a bit more parmesan on top for the finishing touch. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a cozy, delicious meal.
Notes
- Choose quality freshly shredded cheeses for better melt and flavor.
- Cook rice gently with the lid on for perfect tenderness.
- Use garlic butter for rich, aromatic flavor over plain oil.
- Let cheese sauce thicken off heat while stirring to avoid splitting.
- Allow the skillet to rest a few minutes after cooking to thicken and marry flavors.
- Variations: substitute ground turkey or chicken, or make vegetarian with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition.
- For spice, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: thirty-five g
- Saturated Fat: fifteen g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: garlic butter beef skillet, cheesy beef rice skillet, one-pan beef dinner, cheddar parmesan sauce recipe, easy beef skillet