Garlic Butter Beef Rice

This garlic butter beef rice skillet is your go to for a quick, satisfying dinner. It blends browned ground beef with fragrant garlic and spices, all simmered in a rich sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Fluffy longgrain rice folds gently into the buttery, cheesy pan sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor. The warm notes of Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika bring a smoky depth, while fresh parsley adds a bright finish. This onepan recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss.

I first made this during a chilly winter break and my whole family devoured it. It quickly became a favorite that I make whenever I want something hearty yet easy.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides a rich and hearty flavor. Grassfed beef is best if you want fuller taste
• Longgrain white rice: Creates a fluffy base and soaks up the delicious sauce nicely. Rinsing it before cooking helps prevent clumping
• Olive oil: Used for browning the beef and adds a smooth, fruity note. Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for quality and flavor
• Minced garlic: Delivers bold aroma and flavor. Fresh cloves always elevate the dish more than preminced
• Onion powder: Boosts savory depth subtly and complements the beef well
• Cajun seasoning: Adds warmth and a gentle heat. Adjust based on your preferred spice level
• Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky sweetness that balances the spices. Spanish smoked paprika is a great choice for authentic flavor
• Beef broth: Deepens meaty flavor. Low sodium broth lets you control saltiness better
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious and creamy. Use fullfat cream for the richest texture
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly and adds sharp tang. Freshly shredding cheese always improves melting and texture
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity. Real Parmigiano Reggiano is worth the splurge if you can
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce for silkiness and richness
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Brighten and balance the flavors at the end
• Fresh parsley: Chopped at the end gives a fresh herbal lift and beautiful color

Instructions

Make the Rice:

Cook the longgrain white rice in boiling water then reduce to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for eighteen to twenty minutes until tender and fluffy but not mushy. Remove from heat and keep it covered to rest for five minutes. This resting step finishes the steaming and keeps the rice perfect for folding in later.

Brown the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook until there is no pink left and the edges start to caramelize to build flavor. Drain any excess fat unless you prefer the extra richness for your taste.

Add Seasonings:

Sprinkle minced garlic, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika over the beef. Stir gently and cook for one to two minutes more. This softens the garlic but avoids burning it, while allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma fully.

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour in beef broth and heavy cream while stirring to loosen any browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for about five minutes. This thickens the sauce slightly but keeps it silky smooth and rich.

Stir in Cheese:

Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar, freshly grated Parmesan, and unsalted butter. Stir steadily until everything melts together into a velvety sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

Combine with Rice:

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains well. Gently fold the rice into the skillet mixture, making sure every grain is coated with the creamy garlic sauce. Be careful not to overmix so the rice stays light and fluffy.

Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley liberally on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. Serve while warm, and enjoy the cheese still gooey and melty in every bite.

The smoky edge from the smoked paprika paired with Parmesan cheese creates a sauce that is truly unforgettable. I always smile when my kids ask for seconds because that creamy finish with smoky warmth feels like the heart of this recipe.

Storage Tips

Let the skillet cool completely before transferring leftovers into airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days and often tastes even better once the flavors have had time to mingle. When reheating, do it gently on mediumlow on the stove adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce smoothly. The microwave works too if you warm in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a lighter option, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken without losing flavor. Heavy cream can be replaced with fullfat coconut milk or a mix of milk and cream cheese to keep creaminess. Throw in fresh spinach or thawed peas just before serving for an easy nutrition boost and a splash of color. Try sharp white cheddar or Gruyere cheese instead of regular cheddar for an interesting flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this skillet meal in shallow bowls topped with extra chopped parsley or sliced scallions for a fresh crunch. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli to balance the richness. If you like a little extra kick, a drizzle of hot sauce or a wedge of lemon brightens each bite and adds nice contrast.

This skillet is a weeknight hero that reheats beautifully. Serve warm and enjoy.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?

Brown rice can be used but needs longer cooking time and extra liquid to achieve tenderness comparable to white rice.

→ What type of ground beef is best for this dish?

Lean ground beef reduces excess grease, though any ground beef works if properly drained after browning.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cool completely, refrigerate, and reheat gently with added broth or cream to restore sauce creaminess.

→ How spicy is this skillet meal?

Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika provide a mild heat that can be adjusted to taste by modifying spice amounts.

→ Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of freshly grated cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese works, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly creating a creamier, silkier sauce.

→ What are good serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Add hot sauce or a lemon wedge to brighten flavors.