Garlic Butter Beef Rice

This garlic butter beef rice skillet blends tender ground beef with fluffy rice in a creamy cheddar Parmesan sauce seasoned with Cajun spice and smoked paprika. The melted butter enriches the sauce while fresh parsley adds a bright finish. It’s a perfect meal for when you want hearty, cheesy comfort food without multiple pots and pans to clean.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: this provides a rich, hearty flavor opting for grass-fed gives the best taste
• Long-grain white rice: creates a fluffy base and soaks up the sauce nicely rinsing helps avoid clumping
• Olive oil: used for browning beef and flavor extra virgin olive oil adds a smooth fruity note
• Minced garlic: delivers bold aroma and flavor fresh cloves always make a big difference
• Onion powder: boosts savory depth subtly and complements the beef
• Cajun seasoning: adds warmth and a bit of heat adjust based on your preferred spice level
• Smoked paprika: gives a subtle smoky sweetness that balances the spices Spanish smoked paprika is a favorite for its quality
• Beef broth: deepens meaty flavor low sodium is best to control saltiness
• Heavy cream: makes the sauce luscious and rich full fat creates the creamiest texture
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts smoothly and provides sharp tang freshly shredding cheese always improves melt and texture
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: adds a salty nutty complexity real Parmigiano-Reggiano is worth splurging on
• Unsalted butter: melts into the sauce for silkiness and richness
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: round out and brighten the flavor at the end
• Fresh parsley: chopped just before serving gives a fresh herbal lift and pretty color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Rice:

Cook long-grain white rice in boiling water then reduce to low and cover. Simmer gently for eighteen to twenty minutes until tender and fluffy but not mushy. Remove from heat and let it rest covered for five minutes to finish steaming.

Brown the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet set to medium-high. Add ground beef breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until there is no pink left and the edges start to caramelize for added flavor. Drain excess fat unless you prefer the richness for taste.

Add Seasonings:

Sprinkle the garlic onion powder Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the beef. Stir gently and cook for one to two minutes so the garlic softens but avoids burning and the spices bloom releasing their aroma.

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet while stirring to loosen any browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for about five minutes until the sauce thickens slightly but stays silky and smooth.

Stir in Cheese:

Turn the heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar freshly grated Parmesan and butter. Stir steadily until everything melts into a velvety sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Combine with Rice:

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate grains. Fold it gently into the skillet mixture making sure all the rice is coated with the cheesy garlic sauce. Be careful not to overmix to keep rice light and fluffy.

Serve:

Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley liberally over the skillet for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm directly from the skillet while the cheese remains gooey and melty.

Save

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 to me that creamy finish with smoky warmth is 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. Reheat on medium-low on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce smoothly or use the microwave in short increments stirring between for even warming.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter protein without sacrificing flavor. Heavy cream can be replaced with full-fat coconut milk or a mixture of milk and cream cheese to keep the sauce creamy. Adding veggies like fresh spinach or thawed peas just before serving boosts nutrition and adds color. Try sharp white cheddar or Gruyere instead of regular cheddar for a twist on the cheese profile.

Serving Suggestions

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

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used but requires a longer cooking time and more liquid to become tender.

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

Lean ground beef is ideal to reduce excess grease, though any ground beef will work if drained properly.

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

Absolutely. Cool completely, refrigerate, and reheat gently adding broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

→ How spicy is this skillet meal?

The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika provide a mild heat which can be adjusted to your taste preferences.

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

Pre-shredded cheese will work, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly resulting in a creamier sauce.

→ What are good serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. A drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon brightens flavors.