Description
Craving a comforting, one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes? Garlic Butter Beef & Rice Skillet Magic is your answer! This hearty dish combines savory ground beef, fragrant garlic, tender rice, and a creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Beef & Rice Skillet uses pantry staples to create a rich, satisfying dish. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Ground Beef (450 g): Provides hearty protein and savory flavor, forming the base of the dish.
- Long-Grain White Rice (200 g, uncooked): Absorbs broth and flavors, adding a tender, filling component.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth (720 ml): Cooks the rice and infuses savory depth without overwhelming saltiness.
- Small Onion (1, diced): Adds sweet, aromatic flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star ingredient, delivering bold, fragrant taste.
- Butter (45 g): Brings rich, nutty flavor; used for sautéing and in the cheese sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (120 g): Melts into a creamy, tangy sauce for cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (50 g): Adds nutty, umami depth to the sauce.
- Milk (120 ml): Thins the cheese sauce for a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances flavors.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds herby warmth with notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Brightens the dish with color and freshness as a garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
- Rice: Use jasmine, basmati, or brown rice (adjust cooking time to 30-40 minutes for brown rice and add 120 ml extra broth).
- Broth: Replace with chicken or vegetable broth, or use water with a bouillon cube.
- Onion: Substitute with 1 teaspoon onion powder or ½ cup chopped shallots.
- Garlic: Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic if fresh isn’t available.
- Butter: Swap for olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free.
- Cheeses: Replace cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend; use Pecorino or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for different flavors.
- Milk: Use heavy cream for a richer sauce, or plant-based milk (e.g., almond or oat) for dairy-free.
- Seasoning: Try taco seasoning, Cajun spice, or smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
- Add-Ins: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms with the rice for extra veggies.
Pro Tip: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor, and shred cheese from a block to avoid additives in pre-shredded varieties for smoother melting.
Instructions
- Sauté Onion:
- Heat 15 g (1 tablespoon) butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add 1 diced small onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft.
- Tip: Don’t brown the onion; cook until just softened to keep the flavor mild.
- Cook Ground Beef:
- Add 450 g ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if desired for a lighter dish.
- Tip: Leave a little fat for flavor unless using high-fat beef (80/20 or higher).
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
- Tip: Keep the heat medium to avoid scorching the garlic, which can turn bitter.
- Add Rice and Broth:
- Stir in 200 g uncooked long-grain white rice, 720 ml low-sodium beef broth, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix well to combine, ensuring rice is submerged.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Tip: Check rice at 18 minutes; if still firm, add 2 tablespoons broth and cook 2-3 minutes more.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 30 g (2 tablespoons) butter.
- Add 120 ml milk, 120 g shredded cheddar cheese, and 50 g grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Tip: Keep heat low to prevent cheese from separating; stir continuously for a velvety sauce.
- Combine and Finish:
- Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef and rice mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Cook uncovered over low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors, stirring occasionally.
- Tip: If sauce thickens too much, add 1-2 tablespoons milk to loosen.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot, spooned into bowls or plates (makes 4-6 servings).
- Tip: Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Drain Fat Selectively: Lean beef (90/10) may not need draining; fattier beef benefits from draining to avoid greasiness.
- Check Rice: Stir gently near the end to prevent sticking, but avoid over-stirring to keep rice intact.
- Smooth Sauce: If cheese sauce clumps, blend it briefly or strain before adding to the skillet.