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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Final Simmer: Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes more to let any excess liquid evaporate and to meld the flavors fully.
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