Description: A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy garlic butter sauce. This skillet is quick, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice: Begin by cooking the long-grain white rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and set the rice aside, keeping it covered to maintain its warmth and fluffiness.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef: While the rice is cooking, shift your attention to the ground beef. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the skillet, allowing it to heat up for a few seconds. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the ground beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides.
Step 3: Drain Excess Fat: Once the ground beef is fully browned, carefully tilt the skillet to one side to allow any excess fat to pool at the bottom. Use a spoon to remove the excess fat from the skillet and discard it. This step is important to prevent the dish from becoming greasy and to maintain a better overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Spices: With the excess fat removed, it’s time to infuse the beef with flavor. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Stir well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed and coat the beef. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can result in a bitter taste.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce: Pour the beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the ground beef and spices. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the spices are fully incorporated into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheese: Now it’s time to add the cheesy goodness! Add the shredded cheddar cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and unsalted butter to the skillet with the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The butter will add richness and help to create a luxurious texture.
Step 7: Season to Taste: Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the sauce before adding any salt, as the cheeses may already be quite salty. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 8: Combine with Rice: Finally, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the cheesy garlic butter beef sauce. Gently fold the rice into the sauce, stirring until it is well coated and evenly distributed. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can cause the rice to become mushy.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve: To finish, garnish the Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the skillet warm, and enjoy the delicious combination of savory beef, fluffy rice, and creamy, cheesy garlic butter sauce!
Why you will love this recipe
This Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet is a winner for so many reasons! First off, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash. Who doesn’t love that? The flavors are incredible – the savory beef, aromatic garlic, a hint of spice from the Cajun seasoning, and the rich, cheesy sauce all come together beautifully. It’s also super versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, different types of cheese, or even add a little kick with some hot sauce. Plus, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. This recipe is simple to make, uses readily available ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this skillet is sure to be a hit!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
- Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or heavy cream to thin it out.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
Calories: 550 Protein: 30g Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
This Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory beef, fluffy rice, and creamy, cheesy garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
5 Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can substitute the long-grain white rice with other types of rice such as brown rice, basmati rice, or jasmine rice. Keep in mind that different types of rice may require different cooking times and amounts of liquid, so adjust accordingly. For example, brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time and more liquid than white rice.
- Can I add vegetables to this skillet? Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some good options include diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, peas, or carrots. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the garlic and spices before adding the beef broth and heavy cream.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the individual components of this recipe ahead of time. Cook the rice and brown the ground beef separately, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the skillet. When it’s time to eat, simply reheat the beef and rice, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
- Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? While you can use milk instead of heavy cream, the sauce will not be as rich and creamy. Heavy cream has a higher fat content, which contributes to the luxurious texture and flavor of the sauce. If you do use milk, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftover Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the leftovers until heated through, or reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or water to moisten it.
