Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce

This Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet is one of my favorite one-pan meals. I love how it combines savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and fluffy rice all simmered together in a rich, cheesy sauce. The blend of cheddar and parmesan adds creamy depth, while the Cajun seasoning brings just the right amount of flavor and warmth. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, budget-friendly, and requires only one skillet. The garlic butter base makes the beef extra flavorful, while the rice soaks up all that goodness for a satisfying, complete meal. It’s versatile enough to adjust the seasonings to my taste, and the cheesy sauce turns this simple dish into pure comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I need something filling and delicious without much effort.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 lb Ground Beef
1 cup Long-Grain White Rice (uncooked)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
2 cups Beef Broth
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, I drain any excess grease if necessary.
3. I stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning, letting them cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Next, I add the uncooked rice and stir it into the beef mixture, letting it toast slightly for about a minute.
5. I pour in the beef broth and season with a bit of salt and pepper. I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Once the rice is cooked, I stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
7. I taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve the dish hot, garnished with extra cheese or chopped parsley if I like.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to cook, so the total time is roughly 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor. If I want a creamier dish, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter at the end. For a spicier version, I increase the Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce. I also enjoy swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The microwave also works well for quick reheating—I cover it loosely to keep the moisture in. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but I adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook—usually about 40 minutes.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely! I add more Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce for heat.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, but I reduce the broth to about ½ cup and let the mixture simmer just until heated through.

What can I serve with this dish?

I like pairing it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to reheat.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

I stir in a bit of milk, cream, or extra cheese at the end for a smoother texture.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, mozzarella or Monterey Jack melt beautifully and work well in this recipe.

Can I make it vegetarian?

I replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

What’s the best skillet to use?

I prefer a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet for even cooking and easy cleanup.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I double all the ingredients, but I use a larger skillet or cook in two batches to make sure the rice cooks evenly.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce is one of my favorite comfort meals. I love how it combines rich, cheesy flavors with tender beef and perfectly seasoned rice in one pan. It’s easy, filling, and full of flavor—just the kind of dish I crave after a long day. Whether I’m cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, it always turns out delicious and satisfying.

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