If you’re in the mood for a dinner that is not just easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce. This dish combines juicy ground beef with fluffy rice and an irresistibly creamy cheese sauce, turning your average weeknight dinner into a delightful feast. Imagine a meal that can be cooked in one pan, leaving behind minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor—this is one such dish!
What sets this Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet apart is its simplicity and heartiness. Inspired by the classic creamy chicken and rice skillet, this beef variant brings a savory touch that promises to satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds. Featuring a delightful blend of garlic, cheddar, and parmesan cheese, this recipe embodies comfort food at its finest. Moreover, the irresistible aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen while it cooks is enough to make anyone eager for dinner.
As a bonus, this meal is incredibly budget-friendly. Made from everyday pantry staples, you won’t need to break the bank for a delicious dinner. Plus, the mild Cajun seasoning adds enough kick to flavor the dish without making it overwhelming, making it a go-to recipe for both adults and kids alike. In just under 40 minutes, you can have a warm, cheesy, and fulfilling meal ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet
- ✨ **One-pan wonder** – minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
- ✨ **Creamy, cheesy comfort** – a velvety cheddar-parmesan sauce ties everything together.
- ✨ **Budget-friendly** – made with simple pantry staples.
- ✨ **Kid- and family-approved** – mild Cajun seasoning gives flavor without overwhelming heat.
- ✨ **Customizable** – swap proteins, grains, or seasonings to suit your taste.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the culinary adventure of making Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet, it’s essential to set up your kitchen for success. Start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need: ground beef, rice, garlic, cheeses, spices, and broth. A large skillet is ideal for this recipe, preferably one that’s non-stick or well-seasoned to ensure that nothing sticks and the cleaning process is quick and easy.
You’ll also need a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the ingredients while cooking and a measuring cup to accurately portion out the rice and broth. Having your ingredients prepped and organized will keep the cooking process smooth and efficient. When you’re ready to start cooking, make sure to measure out the rice and prepare the spices beforehand. This way, you won’t scramble to find ingredients midway through the cooking process.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the ground beef. Cook the beef thoroughly, breaking it apart with your wooden spatula as it cooks. This technique ensures that the meat gets brown and caramelizes, enhancing its flavor. As it cooks, drain any excess fat from the beef to keep your dish from being greasy. To finish this step, season the beef lightly with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Spices
After browning the beef, push it to one side of the skillet to create space for the garlic. In that open space, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute or until it becomes fragrant. This step is crucial because it flavors the fat left in the pan. Once the garlic is aromatic, stir in the onion powder and Cajun seasoning, mixing everything together to ensure the spices coat the beef evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Now it’s time to introduce the rice. Add the uncooked rice and beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which allows the rice to absorb some of the flavorful beef broth. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes. During this time, occasionally stir the dish to ensure equal cooking, and check that the rice is tender and has absorbed the majority of the liquid.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. This is where the magic happens—stir in both the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until they melt into a creamy sauce. The warmth from the skillet helps in melting the cheese evenly. Taste the dish and, if needed, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper. This creamy, cheesy layer takes the garlic butter beef and rice skillet to a whole new level!
Step 5: Serve
Finally, garnish your dish with extra cheese or freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of flavor and color. Serve this delicious Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet hot, and pair it with a side of salad, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread for dipping.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Add spinach, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Spices: Use smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for an alternative spice blend.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure to drain excess fat from the beef for a cleaner result.
- If you prefer a less cheesy dish, adjust the amount of cheese based on your taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Consider serving alongside garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Tips
- For an even creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 560 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What can I substitute instead of beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and can be divided into individual portions for a week’s worth of lunches or dinners.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Just make sure to consume them within 2-3 months for the best quality.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce is a recipe that checks all the boxes: ease of preparation, rich flavors, and comforting warmth. A go-to recipe that you will want to make repeatedly, it serves as an excellent base for all your culinary creativity. Not only can you enjoy it as is, but you’re also encouraged to switch things up with proteins, spices, or veggies to cater to your taste preferences.
We would love to hear your thoughts once you try this recipe! What variations did you come up with? Please share your experience, and don’t hesitate to spread the love by sharing this recipe with friends and family. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet combines juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese sauce for a delightful dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks, and drain any excess fat.
- Push the beef to one side, add the minced garlic in the open space, and sauté for about a minute. Add onion powder and Cajun seasoning, mixing well.
- Add rice and beef broth to the skillet, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 18–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Garnish with extra cheese or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Ensure to drain excess fat from the beef for a cleaner result. Adjust cheese amount based on preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 560 per serving
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Protein: 35 g