Description
This Garlic Butter Beef Bowl is a comforting one-pan dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. It combines ground beef, long-grain white rice, and a creamy cheddar sauce, making it a delightful and easy-to-prepare meal. This dish is also make-ahead friendly and stores well for delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice (can use brown rice, adjust cooking time)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
- 1 Diced Onion
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic
- 2 cups Beef Broth (low sodium)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 3 tbsp Butter (for sautéing and cheese sauce)
- 1 cup Milk (whole or low-fat)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar
- 1/2 cup Parmesan (grated)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic’s aroma to release fully.
- Add the uncooked long-grain white rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low heat, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan on low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and milk, stirring constantly until creamy and smooth.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cooked beef and rice mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to combine and allow it to cook uncovered for a few more minutes until heated through.
- Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving to brighten the dish.
Notes
- This Garlic Butter Beef Bowl stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess before warming.
- Prepare the beef and rice mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store separately from the cheese sauce for best make-ahead results.
- Use long-grain varieties of rice and keep heat low when simmering to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Melt butter and cheese slowly on low heat when making the cheese sauce to ensure a smooth consistency.
- For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and quality cheese in your Garlic Butter Beef Bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet, Saucepan
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg