Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and creamy cheese sauce. It’s quick to make and full of rich, satisfying flavors perfect for any weeknight dinner.

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
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it up until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
6. Step 6: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Stir in the Parmesan, cheddar cheese, and milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
7. Step 7: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef and rice mixture. Stir well to blend everything together.
8. Step 8: Cook uncovered for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for a mild heat.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
• Use a blend of your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different twist on the sauce.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the creamy texture. This dish does not freeze well due to the cheese sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice for this recipe?

This recipe works best with uncooked long-grain white rice. Instant rice cooks much faster and may turn mushy if simmered for the full 18-20 minutes required here.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free beef broth and verify that the Italian seasoning and cheeses contain no hidden gluten.

Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Garlic Butter Bowl featuring tender ground beef, long-grain rice, and a creamy blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese in a savory broth. This one-pan skillet dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, combining the rich taste of garlic butter with Italian seasoning and fresh parsley for a delightful finish.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups low sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy & Cheese

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp butter

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Cook 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.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook while breaking it apart until the beef changes color and is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
3. Garlic Time: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Mix in Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer Away: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
6. Create Cheese Sauce: While the rice cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and milk. Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
7. Blend Everything Together: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and rice mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly.
8. Final Touch: Cook uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• Drain excess grease after browning the beef to prevent greasy texture.
• Low sodium beef broth helps control saltiness, but adjust seasoning to taste.
• Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• For a vegetarian version, replace beef broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based meat substitutes.
• Adding fresh parsley enhances flavor and presentation but is optional.

Keywords: Garlic butter bowl, ground beef rice skillet, cheesy beef rice recipe, one-pan dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal