Garlic Butter Beef Rice Skillet

This rich and creamy Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce is my go-to solution for busy weeknights. With just one pan and under 40 minutes, you get savory beef, tender rice, and a velvety cheese sauce that tastes like comfort in a bowl.

The first time I tried this recipe, it instantly became a cold-weather victory in my kitchen. My family keeps asking for those melty cheesy seconds.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Always go for fresh ground chuck for juiciness and flavor. Try grass-fed for best taste
• Long-grain white rice: Uncooked so it soaks in all the flavors from the skillet. Rinse for fluffy results
• Olive oil: A must for deepening the savory beef flavor. Choose extra virgin for bolder taste
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings in that punchy aroma. The more fragrant the better
• Onion powder: Quick shortcut for sweet onion notes. Check for freshness so the spice pops
• Cajun seasoning: Custom heat and herb blend that wakes up everything. Use your favorite brand for personal touch
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts into a bold creamy sauce. Buy block cheese if you can for best melt
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parm brings nutty saltiness. Always choose real parmesan
• Beef broth: Rich base that keeps rice tender and infuses umami. Opt for low sodium if you like to control salt
• Salt and pepper: Brings out every flavor in the skillet. Use flaky sea salt and fresh-cracked pepper if available

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into pieces with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains. This takes about 5 to 8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain off extra fat if it collects in the pan

Fragrant Garlic Base:

Push your beef to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the cleared space. Let it sizzle for about one minute. Stir constantly to keep it from burning. You want it just golden and smelling amazing

Season Everything:

Sprinkle over the onion powder and Cajun seasoning. Use a wooden spoon to mix well. Coat both the beef and garlic so the spices bloom all over

Rice and Broth Magic:

Pour in the long-grain white rice and all the beef broth. Stir well so every grain is coated in those savory juices. Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a gentle boil

Simmer to Perfection:

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 18 to 20 minutes. Stir two or three times as it cooks. Make sure the rice does not stick to the bottom. Cook until the rice is tender and almost all broth has absorbed

Cheesy Finish:

Once cooked take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle in the parmesan and then the cheddar cheese. Stir and fold everything together. The cheese melts and creates a thick creamy sauce. Wrap it all up and check the consistency

Taste and Serve:

Taste the dish. Add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if you love extra spice. Serve hot right from the pan. If you wish, sprinkle on more cheddar or fresh chopped parsley

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My favorite part is folding in the cheese at the end and seeing it go super melty and gooey My kids hover over the skillet as the cheddar and parmesan swirl into the beef and rice. It always brings them running to the table

Storage Tips

Any leftovers stay fresh in the fridge up to four days Use a lidded dish to keep the rice from drying out When you reheat splash in a spoonful of water or extra broth to keep it extra creamy I have even portioned it into little lunch containers for speedy weekday meals

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version If you have only brown rice you can use it but add more broth and expect a longer simmer time Monterey Jack cheese makes a great creamy swap for cheddar If Cajun seasoning is too spicy substitute with smoked paprika and dried oregano

Serving Suggestions

Top with chopped scallions or fresh parsley for color Serve alongside a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a restaurant style supper If you want to stretch it further stir in a handful of thawed peas or sautéed bell peppers before the cheese

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Cultural and Historical Context

Skillet meals like this are an American family classic They combine ease with savory warmth making them popular across generations The Cajun seasoning nods to the cuisine of the American South where beef rice and spice often come together in homey dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I keep rice from sticking in the skillet?

Stir the rice a couple of times during cooking and make sure there's enough broth to prevent it from sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for cheddar or parmesan. Just choose varieties that melt well for a creamy texture.

→ Is there a way to make this less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor profile, or use a lower-sodium blend.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can cook the dish ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Add extra broth during reheating to keep the rice moist.

→ What other protein can I use instead of ground beef?

Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles as a substitute for beef, adjusting the seasoning to taste.