Description

A quick and hearty Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl featuring ground beef, long-grain white rice, and a rich cheddar Parmesan cheese sauce. This one-pan skillet meal is infused with Italian seasoning and garlic butter, making it a comforting dinner option perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
1 small onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups low sodium beef broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

3 tbsp butter (unsalted preferred, divided)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (preferably hand-grated)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup whole milk

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

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, stirring occasionally until it softens and becomes translucent.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if there is too much, but leave a little for flavor.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to release aroma without burning.
Combine Rice and Broth: Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in liquid.
Simmer the Rice: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during this period to maintain steam cooking.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: While the rice simmers, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the Parmesan, cheddar cheese, and milk, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and fully combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it.
Combine and Finish: Remove the lid from the skillet and pour the cheese sauce into the beef and rice mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring occasionally to meld flavors and evaporate any extra liquid.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired, and serve the dish warm for a comforting, cheesy beef and rice meal.

Notes

Using freshly grated cheese improves the flavor and texture of the cheese sauce.
This dish is great for meal prep; store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or beef broth to maintain creamy texture.
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish.
Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or diced peppers while cooking to boost nutrition.
If you don’t have a lid that fits your skillet, cover it tightly with foil to keep steam in while cooking the rice.
Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time and additional broth.

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

Keywords: beef garlic butter bowl, cheesy beef and rice, skillet dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food, cheddar parmesan sauce