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
Scale
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.
