Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

Introduction

Give this quick and tasty creamy beef and rice dish a try! Cooked entirely in one pan, the Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is 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 comes together in about 40 minutes with simple ingredients.

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 low-sodium beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley (optional), 2 tbsp chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Step 5: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
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 cheese, and milk, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and rice. Stir thoroughly to combine.
8. Step 8: Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 more minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese for a richer, smoother sauce.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Let the cheese come to room temperature before melting to keep the sauce silky.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice is a good substitute but will require a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Adjust accordingly for best results.

Can I replace ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat are great alternatives that work well in this recipe.

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 112 reviews

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

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Description

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting and creamy one-pan meal combining ground beef, tender long-grain white rice, and a rich cheddar Parmesan cheese sauce. Flavored with garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley, it’s a quick and hearty dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. The dish simmers the rice in savory beef broth infused with aromatic seasonings, then finishes with a luscious, cheesy butter sauce for a satisfying and delicious bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese Sauce

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

Seasonings and Other

• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter until foamy. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot, leaving a little for flavor.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
4. Add Rice and Liquids: Pour the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the broth and is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
6. Make the 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. Stir continuously until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and melted together. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to loosen it.
7. Combine Cheese Sauce and Rice Mixture: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and rice. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly coated and creamy.
8. Final Simmer: Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes more to let any excess liquid evaporate and to meld the flavors fully.
9. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

Notes

• For best melting, use freshly grated cheeses instead of pre-shredded.
• To add more veggies, toss in peas, spinach, mushrooms, or diced peppers during the rice simmering step.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
• If using brown rice, increase broth quantity and cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
• If your skillet lacks a tight-fitting lid, cover with foil to trap steam during simmering.

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

Keywords: beef and rice skillet, cheesy beef bowl, garlic butter beef, cheddar Parmesan sauce, one-pan dinner, quick family meals, comfort food, easy dinner recipes