Garlic Butter Beef & Rice Skillet Magic

 

Garlic Butter Beef & Rice Skillet Magic!

 

One-pan comfort food bursting with flavor! This rich and cheesy skillet combines juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy garlic butter cheese sauce — perfect for a cozy family dinner or easy weeknight meal.

 Ingredients:

For the skillet:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water + 1 bouillon cube)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the cheesy garlic sauce:

• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk + 1 tsp butter)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)

 Instructions:

1. Brown the beef:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté aromatics:
   Add the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add rice & broth:
   Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it with the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth, add salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. Make the cheese sauce:
   While the rice is cooking, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Add cheddar, parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Stir gently until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
5. Combine & finish:
   Once the rice is cooked, pour the cheese sauce over the beef and rice mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly, coating each bite with creamy, cheesy goodness.
6. Serve hot:
   Garnish with extra cheese, chopped parsley, or green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy a spoonful of comfort.

 Variations & Tips:

• Add veggies: Stir in peas, carrots, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
• Swap the meat: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
• Healthier version: Use brown rice and reduce cheese or replace cream with Greek yogurt.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• One-pan meal = less mess, fast cleanup
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Great for meal prep and leftovers