The garlic butter soaks into the rice, making it rich and fragrant, while the beef adds a hearty, savory bite. Each spoonful is warm, flavorful, and so satisfying.
I cooked this Garlic Butter Beef Rice on a busy weeknight when I needed comfort in a bowl. The smell of sizzling garlic and beef filled the kitchen, and it quickly became a favorite.
If you love simple meals that taste cozy and filling, this recipe is perfect. Let’s stir the beef, mix the rice, and make a dish that feels like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love the creamy, cheesy goodness
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish. Want to feed more? Just double everything and use a bigger pan.
Difficulty: Super easy! Perfect for new cooks and busy parents who need dinner on the table fast.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Ingredients for Best Garlic Butter Beef Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty dish (exact amounts are in the recipe card below):
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness
- Long-Grain White Rice: Regular white rice works perfectly and cooks evenly
- Beef Broth: Adds rich, meaty flavor to the rice as it cooks
- Onion: Yellow or white onion adds sweetness and depth
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works too
- Butter: Real butter makes everything taste better and creates richness
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds tangy flavor
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty taste that makes everything special
- Milk: Whole milk makes the dish creamy and smooth
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds extra taste
- Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh flavor on top
Variations for Garlic Butter Beef Rice
- Add Vegetables: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers
- Try Different Cheese: Use mozzarella or Swiss instead of cheddar
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Use Ground Turkey: Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter option
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra flavor
How to Make Best Garlic Butter Beef Rice Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat your large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until the meat is brown and no pink shows.
2. Add Onion and Garlic
Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add butter to the empty space. When it melts, add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells good.
3. Add Rice and Broth
Stir the rice into the pan with the beef and onions. Pour in the beef broth slowly. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together.
4. Cook the Rice
Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn heat to low. Cover the pan and let it cook for 15-18 minutes until the rice is soft and has soaked up most of the liquid.
5. Add the Creamy Cheese
Take the pan off the heat. Add milk and stir gently. Add both cheeses and stir until they melt and everything looks creamy. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Serve hot and watch everyone smile!
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Rice
This hearty dish works great for many occasions:
- Family Dinners: Serve with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli
- Game Day: Perfect comfort food for watching sports with friends
- Potluck Parties: Easy to transport and everyone loves it
- Weeknight Meals: Quick dinner when you’re short on time
- Lunch Leftovers: Tastes great reheated the next day
Storing Garlic Butter Beef Rice
- In the Fridge: Keep leftovers covered for 3-4 days
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy
- Freezing: This dish can freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Skip the Butter: It makes the garlic taste amazing and adds richness
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic tastes much better than the powder
- Let Rice Rest: After cooking, let it sit for 2-3 minutes before adding cheese
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Fresh-grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded
- Taste as You Go: Add salt and pepper little by little until it tastes just right
- Don’t Overcook: Stop cooking as soon as the rice is tender
Nutrition
Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 42g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Calcium | 285mg |
Values are estimated based on 6 servings.
PrintBest Garlic Butter Beef Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish / One-Pan Dinner / Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Push beef to one side. Add butter to empty side of pan. Once melted, add diced onion and cook 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Rice: Stir uncooked rice into the beef and onion mixture. Pour in beef broth gradually while stirring. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Make it Creamy: Remove from heat. Stir in milk gently. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 485
Best Garlic Butter Beef Rice FAQs
Yes, but you’ll need to cook it longer (about 25-30 minutes) and add more broth.
Chicken broth works fine, or you can use water with a bouillon cube.
It tastes best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers with a little extra milk.
You might have used too much liquid or cooked it too long. Use exact measurements next time.
Conclusion
This Best Garlic Butter Beef Rice brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and fragrant garlic butter makes this dish a winner every time. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular Tuesday into something that feels like a warm hug.
