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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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 until softened and translucent, developing a slight color to build flavor.
- 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.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the aroma without burning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
