Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

Introduction

Give this quick and tasty creamy beef and rice dish a try! Cooked entirely in one pan, it’s full of ground beef, tender rice, and a cheesy cheddar Parmesan sauce. Perfect for family meals or when you’re craving something comforting, this dish delivers cozy deliciousness with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley (optional) – 2 tablespoons, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.
6. Step 6: While the rice cooks, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the Parmesan, cheddar, and milk. Cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and rice mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
8. Step 8: Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld and any extra liquid evaporate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add frozen peas or chopped vegetables at the end of cooking for extra nutrition.
• If you prefer, swap Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
• For a spicy kick, mix red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the cheese sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to keep the dish creamy, then warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave at 70% power in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth amount and cooking time accordingly for best results.

Is it possible to substitute the ground beef with other proteins?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well and can be used to adjust the dish to your dietary preferences.

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 116 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting one-pan meal featuring ground beef, long-grain white rice, and a creamy, cheesy cheddar Parmesan sauce. Flavored with Italian seasoning, fresh garlic, and onions, it simmers to a perfect texture where the rice soaks up rich beef broth and a luscious cheese sauce. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, it delivers savory warmth and satisfying flavor in just 40 minutes, with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Broth

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 3 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Beef and Aromatics

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean to fat ratio recommended)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp butter (unsalted preferred)

Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (preferably freshly grated)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk for best results)

Garnish (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent, developing a slight color to build flavor.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the aroma without burning.
4. Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients and ensure the rice is evenly coated and submerged.
5. Simmer the Rice: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the broth and is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time to let the steam work its magic.
6. Prepare Cheese Sauce: While the rice cooks, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the milk, then gradually stir in the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen.
7. Combine Cheese Sauce with Rice Mixture: Pour the creamy cheese sauce into the skillet containing the cooked beef and rice. Stir everything together gently until the mixture is evenly coated and combined.
8. Final Simmer and Garnish: Cook uncovered over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and any extra liquid to evaporate. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• For a nuttier flavor, briefly toast the uncooked rice in the beef fat before adding broth.
• Use freshly grated cheeses to achieve a creamier, smoother sauce.
• If your skillet doesn’t have a tight lid, cover it securely with aluminum foil to trap steam during cooking.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
• Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach during the simmering stage for extra nutrition and color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: beef garlic butter bowl, one-pan dinner, creamy beef and rice, cheesy beef skillet, quick family meal, comfort food, easy beef recipe