Description
This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy ground beef, tender long-grain white rice simmered in flavorful beef broth, and a creamy cheddar Parmesan cheese sauce. Seasoned with Italian herbs and enhanced with garlic and butter, this dish offers a perfect balance of protein and carbs, making it ideal for quick family dinners or meal prep. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s an easy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter (divided: 1 tbsp for sautéing, 2 tbsp for sauce)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Garnish
- 2 tbsp 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 until softened and translucent, building the flavor base for the dish.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the cooked onions. Break it apart continuously as it cooks until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if too much accumulates, retaining a little for taste.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to release its aroma without burning it.
- 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 the skillet with a lid, and simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: While the rice cooks, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar, and milk. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and fully incorporated.
- Combine Sauce and Beef Mixture: Pour the prepared cheese sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and rice. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly in the rich cheese sauce.
- Final Cooking and Garnish: Cook uncovered on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and any excess moisture to evaporate. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using freshly grated cheese enhances the flavor and smoothness of the cheese sauce.
- For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
- Brown rice can substitute white rice, but requires longer cooking time and more liquid.
- Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for a lighter or meat-free version.
- Add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach near the end of the rice cooking step for added nutrition and color.
- If your skillet lacks a tight-fitting lid, cover with foil to trap steam during simmering.
- Let cheese come to room temperature before melting to prevent sauce from becoming grainy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner Victories
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: beef recipe, garlic butter beef, cheesy beef and rice, one-pan dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy family meal
