If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce. This one-pan wonder delivers rich, savory beef, fluffy rice, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce—everything comes together in just over half an hour! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making weeknight dinner special, this dish is sure to wow your taste buds with every melty, garlicky bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is how simple, everyday staples turn into something utterly crave-worthy. Every ingredient in Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce has a job to do—some add depth, others bring creaminess or a pop of color. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, with helpful tidbits along the way:
- Ground beef (1 pound): Opt for 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): This is what gives that luscious, garlicky base for the skillet.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic absolutely shines and deepens the flavor.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Sautéed onion adds sweetness and rounds out the savory notes.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): This variety cooks up fluffy and absorbs every drop of flavor.
- Beef broth (2 1/4 cups): Brings extra depth to the whole skillet; low sodium works if you prefer less salt.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A must for balancing and enhancing the whole dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle kick and warmth.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds color and a hint of earthiness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Toss these in for a touch of mellow heat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts gorgeously to create that classic, gooey comfort.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Lends a savory, nutty finish to the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): For the richest, silkiest Cheddar Parmesan sauce ever.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A flash of green for freshness and garnish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s foaming and fragrant, toss in your minced garlic and diced onion. Let them cook for two to three minutes, stirring often, until beautifully soft and aromatic—the smell is your first hint of the deliciousness to come!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, add the ground beef directly into the pan with the garlic and onions. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s perfectly browned and no longer pink. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease for a sauce that’s rich, but never greasy.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
With your beef browned, it’s time to stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and, if you love a little spice, the crushed red pepper flakes. Everything is about to simmer together, letting those grains soak up every bit of buttery, meaty goodness.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the skillet mixture to a gentle boil, give everything a good stir, then lower the heat. Cover tightly and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. Patience pays off here—the rice will become tender and most of the liquid will absorb, transforming into something creamy and irresistible.
Step 5: Make the Cheesy Sauce
Uncover the skillet and gently stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Watch as everything melts together into a rich, velvety sauce, coating every grain and beefy morsel. Let it simmer, uncovered, for two to three more minutes so the Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce thickens perfectly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Give your dish a final taste, adjust the seasonings if needed, and sprinkle over a little chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve straight from the skillet—everyone will want seconds!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley does wonders for color and freshness. If you like a cheese boost, a bit of extra Parmesan on top right before serving is never a bad idea. For a bit of heat, a final pinch of red pepper flakes can kick up every bite.
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can really round out the meal with a crisp green salad, some simple steamed broccoli, or warm, crusty bread to mop up that luscious Cheddar Parmesan sauce. A side of roasted vegetables works beautifully, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop the Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce into individual ramekins for a personal touch at family dinners, or serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style vibe. For a party, spoon portions into small bowls, top with parsley and mini cheese crisps, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an even more satisfying lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers for up to two months. The cheesy texture holds up surprisingly well—just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To bring everything back to its creamy best, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or a drizzle of cream to keep the rice silky. The microwave works, too; cover loosely and reheat in short bursts, stirring to make sure everything heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind brown rice will take longer to cook—usually 10 to 15 minutes more—and you might need to add a touch more broth for the rice to become tender and absorb the sauce.
What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap in ground turkey or chicken, and use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Reduced-fat cheese works as well, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich, but the flavor of Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce will still shine.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Stirring in a cup of frozen peas or chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking is a terrific way to add color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness. Other delicious options are diced bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed at the start with the onions.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
It’s a huge hit with kids! Just skip the red pepper flakes if everyone prefers it mild. The creamy cheese sauce and buttery rice make the Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce a dinner-time favorite for all ages.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double everything—just use the largest skillet or Dutch oven you have. The cook time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the rice and add a splash more broth if needed.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce can be. This is a recipe that will easily slide into your regular rotation and melt hearts around your table every time. Give it a try and see how one skillet delivers all the cozy feels!
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal, this Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet is topped with a creamy Cheddar Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, uncovered, to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Notes:
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- For extra richness, add more heavy cream or a splash of whole milk.
- To add a veggie boost, stir in frozen peas or chopped spinach at the end.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *