Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet

A comforting one-pan dinner featuring tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy garlic butter cheese sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup required.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion diced
4 garlic cloves minced
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

Heat large skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter until foaming. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add ground beef to skillet. Break apart and cook 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Push beef to one side, add minced garlic to cleared space. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Add uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat rice with drippings.
Pour in beef broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
Meanwhile, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in small saucepan over low heat. Add milk and warm gently.
Gradually add both cheeses to milk mixture, whisking constantly until smooth sauce forms.
Remove rice from heat. Pour cheese sauce over beef and rice mixture. Fold gently to combine.
Let rest uncovered 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Use 85/15 ground beef for best flavor without excess grease
Hand-grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded
Don't lift lid while rice cooks - steam is essential for proper cooking
Add splash of milk or broth when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess
Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 3 days

Keyword easy skillet recipe, garlic butter beef rice