If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and flavorful one-pan meal, look no further than this Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s everything you want in a cozy dinner: tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and a velvety sauce loaded with sharp cheddar and nutty parmesan goodness, all kissed with garlic and butter. The combination creates a luscious, hearty dish that feels special but comes together with ease, making it a true weeknight hero that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and comforting warmth. Each component has its role, from the rich ground beef to the creamy cheeses, building layers of deliciousness in this skillet meal.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides hearty protein and a rich, savory base for the dish.
- Uncooked white rice (1 cup): Long grain or jasmine rice adds fluffy texture and soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the dish with an aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with butter and beef.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps toast the rice and garlic for deep flavor.
- Beef broth (2 cups): The cooking liquid that tenderizes the rice and keeps everything savory.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a luxuriously creamy texture to the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a sharp, melty layer that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1/3 cup): Adds a nutty depth and extra cheesiness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): A burst of color and fresh herbal brightness to finish the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef seasoned with salt and black pepper, and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and slightly caramelized. This step is key to building a flavorful base, so don’t rush it. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside to make room for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast Rice
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add minced garlic. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it releases its wonderful fragrance without browning. Then stir in the uncooked rice and toast it for about a minute. This adds a subtle nuttiness to the rice and helps it absorb all the flavors to come.
Step 3: Simmer Rice in Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet to trap the steam. Let the rice cook for 15 to 18 minutes until it’s tender and has absorbed all the flavorful broth. This liquid not only cooks the rice but also infuses every bite with rich beefy notes.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheeses
Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream to introduce a silky smooth texture. Gradually add shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until they melt completely into a lush, cheesy sauce. This cheesy layer is what makes this Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe so irresistibly creamy.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Simmer
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the cheesy rice. Let it all simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors perfectly. This melding step ensures every bite of beef is juicy and every grain of rice is coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the skillet for a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal flavor. Serve immediately while steaming hot to enjoy all the creamy, buttery goodness at its best.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, adding a light, fresh contrast against the richness of the dish. You can also try a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a few chili flakes if you like a little spice. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens everything up beautifully.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even a crusty bread to soak up every bit of that decadent cheddar parmesan sauce. Keep the sides simple to let the main dish truly stand out.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe family-style in a rustic cast iron skillet—everyone loves scooping their own generous portions. Or transform leftovers into stuffed bell peppers or bake it into a cheesy casserole for a different presentation. The comforting flavors lend themselves well to creative reinventions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and improve after resting, so leftovers can taste even better!
Freezing
This dish freezes well, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce stays creamy and the beef warms through evenly. If the sauce seems thick, stir in a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and parmesan create a classic combo, you can swap cheddar for gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just keep the parmesan for that nutty depth if you can.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, by replacing the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth, you can enjoy a vegetarian edition that still delivers great texture and flavor.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. Adjust the cooking time and broth quantity accordingly to ensure the rice comes out tender.
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
Heavy cream adds richness, but you can substitute with half-and-half combined with a bit of butter or use full-fat coconut milk for a slightly different twist. Avoid low-fat options as they won’t create the same creamy texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding diced jalapeños with the garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some hot sauce while cooking will give your Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe a delightful kick that complements the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a wonderful reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to make the most satisfying meals. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory, buttery flavor that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a go-to comfort food staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting one-pan meal, Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce infused with garlic and fresh parsley. Ready in just 35 minutes, this hearty dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Meat and Rice
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Butter and Dairy
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Liquids
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: To the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice to the skillet with garlic and butter. Toast the rice for about 1 minute to bring out a subtle nutty flavor and coat it with the buttery garlic goodness.
- Simmer Rice in Broth: Pour in the 2 cups of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed fully.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt completely, forming a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Combine Beef and Simmer: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir well to combine with the cheesy rice mixture. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish just before serving. Serve hot and enjoy a rich, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use jasmine or long grain white rice depending on preference; cooking times may vary slightly.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a lower fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less creamy.
- Adding some sautéed onions with the garlic can enhance the flavor profile.
