Last week was one of those weeks—school events, sports practice, and a couple of surprise work deadlines. I needed something warm, filling, and simple—something that could be made in one pan and still feel like a proper meal. So I reached for an old favorite that never lets me down: my garlic butter beef and rice skillet. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and best of all, my kids always scrape their plates clean. That garlic butter aroma? It gets everyone drifting into the kitchen before I even call them to the table.

⁠

This dish came together on a night when I didn’t want to do dishes and only had pantry basics left. I remembered a conversation with another mom at a PTA meeting—she mentioned how she jazzes up rice with garlic butter and cheese.

That little tip turned into this magical skillet meal. Now it’s in our monthly rotation, and every time I make it, I tweak it just a little—more cheese, an extra clove of garlic, sometimes a dash of hot sauce for my husband and me.

This is the kind of recipe you can count on. It’s forgiving, flexible, and a true family pleaser. And if you’re like me—trying to balance flavor, nutrition, and not spending all night in the kitchen—this one’s going to be your weeknight hero too.

Short Description

Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, buttery rice, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s simple, flavorful, and family-approved.

Key Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 small onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup whole milk
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

→ Garnish (optional):

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Tools Needed

Large deep skillet with lid
Small saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until it’s fully browned, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Toast the Rice
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Then stir in the uncooked rice, letting it toast gently for another minute.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Seasoning
Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the rice simmers, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the milk, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and fully melted.

Step 6: Combine and Finish
Pour the cheese sauce over the beef and rice mixture. Stir everything together in the skillet. Cook uncovered over low heat for another 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Ready in under 40 minutes

– Only one pan to clean

– Cozy, cheesy, and full of flavor

– Easy to customize with pantry staples

– Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved

– Budget-friendly and satisfying

– Leftovers reheat beautifully

– Packed with protein and calcium

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Undercooked Rice
Solution: Make sure the skillet is covered during simmering. If rice is still hard after 20 minutes, add 1/4 cup broth and cook 5 minutes more.

Mistake 2: Overcooked or dry rice
Solution: Don’t simmer too long. Keep an eye on the liquid level; you want it mostly absorbed, not bone dry.

Mistake 3: Cheese sauce too thick or clumpy
Solution: Stir constantly while melting cheese over low heat. If it thickens too much, add a splash more milk.

Mistake 4: Skipping garlic or seasoning
Solution: Don’t skip the garlic or Italian seasoning—they’re key to boosting flavor.

Mistake 5: Not tasting as you go
Solution: Always adjust salt and pepper at the end to make sure the flavor pops.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a main dish with a crisp side salad or steamed broccoli

Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls for extra comfort

Serve family-style straight from the skillet at the dinner table

Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for grown-up heat

For brunch? Top leftovers with a fried egg!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Freeze in single-serving containers for up to 2 months

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to revive creaminess

Microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot

Avoid overheating or it may dry out—low and slow is best for reheating

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it will need a longer cooking time (about 35–40 minutes) and more broth—add 1 extra cup.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook as directed, let it cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat just before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes—mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack all melt well and add variety.

4. Can I add vegetables to this skillet?
Definitely. Try peas, chopped spinach, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.

5. What can I use instead of beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes. Just adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips & Tricks

Toast the rice before adding broth to deepen flavor

Add a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce for umami depth

Stir in fresh spinach at the end for a hidden veggie boost

Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but freshly shredded melts smoother

Keep the heat low when adding cheese sauce to avoid splitting

Want a crusty top? Pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Tex-Mex Version:

Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning

Add 1/2 cup salsa with the broth

Top with a handful of crushed tortilla chips before serving

2. Creamy Mushroom Beef & Rice:

Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onion

Use 1/4 cup heavy cream in place of milk

Garnish with thyme instead of parsley

3. Spicy Cajun Style:

Use Cajun seasoning instead of Italian

Add 1 diced bell pepper and a dash of hot sauce

Mix in andouille sausage slices for a smoky kick

4. Vegetable Boost Version:

Add 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables with the broth

Use reduced-fat cheese and milk for a lighter version

Stir in fresh chopped tomatoes or zucchini before simmering

Final Thoughts

As someone constantly juggling schedules and hungry mouths, I love having recipes like this that I know will deliver every time. It brings together simple pantry staples and turns them into something that feels a little indulgent, a little cozy, and absolutely delicious.

Best of all, it leaves me with only one pan to clean—major win in my kitchen. If you’re looking for a weeknight go-to that makes you feel like a kitchen hero, this dish is it. Try it once, and I promise—it’ll earn its spot on your regular dinner rotation.

Garlic Butter Beef And Rice Skillet Magic!