Description
This rich and cheesy garlic butter beef and rice skillet combines savory ground beef, fragrant garlic butter, and a silky cheddar parmesan sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s a one-pan comfort meal that’s family-friendly, weeknight-ready, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
3 cups cooked white rice
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp butter (divided)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the beef. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Whisk in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses gradually until the sauce is smooth and melted. Remove from heat.
5. Spread the cooked white rice onto a serving platter or back into the skillet. Top with the garlic butter beef mixture.
6. Pour the cheese sauce over the beef and rice. Spread evenly with a spatula.
7. Sprinkle extra cheddar on top and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, meltier sauce—it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the beef while browning.
If reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the cheese sauce back to life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: ground beef, skillet dinner, cheese sauce, garlic butter