Imagine the comfort of a sizzling skillet filled with tender beef, aromatic garlic, fluffy rice, and a silky blanket of cheddar parmesan sauce—this is the magic of Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and irresistible, balancing the richness of beef and cheese with the brightness of fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it comes together in one pan and delivers all the flavors you crave in a truly memorable meal.

Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of everyday ingredients transforms into something spectacular here. Each component pulls its weight—adding flavor, heartiness, creaminess, or that final pop of color. Grab these pantry and fridge staples and watch them come together in this crowd-pleasing skillet!

Olive oil: Gives the beef a beautiful sear and adds a subtle fruitiness to the base.
Ground beef (85/15): The perfect balance of flavor and juiciness for a satisfying, meaty bite.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth that melds into the skillet.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with warmth and unmistakable aroma.
Salt: Essential for drawing out all the savory notes from the beef and cheese.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and earthiness.
Smoked paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness that makes the whole dish pop.
Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the flavors and gives the skillet its comforting base.
Beef broth: Deepens the savory profile and helps the rice cook up tender and fluffy.
Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce, adding richness and that signature “garlic butter” finish.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For bold, creamy tang that stands out in the cheese sauce.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer to the luscious sauce.
Whole milk: Creates a silky, creamy cheese sauce without being heavy.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce, making it wonderfully pourable.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Lends color and a fresh, herby finishing touch.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. In about 5 to 7 minutes, the beef should be browned and cooked through, setting the stage for all those savory flavors to come together. If there’s extra grease, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter final dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and let it soften for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the onion is tender and translucent, add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for another minute until fragrant—this is where that irresistible garlic butter aroma really starts to bloom!

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Pour in the uncooked long-grain white rice and stir to coat it in all those delicious beefy, garlicky juices. This quick toasting step adds a little nuttiness and ensures your rice cooks up flavorful and fluffy.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Add the beef broth and bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will absorb all that savory goodness, becoming tender and perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Make the Cheddar Parmesan Sauce

While the rice cooks, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to make a roux. Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly until smooth and starting to thicken. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce melts into a creamy, dreamy consistency—this is the heart of the Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce!

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, pour your luscious cheese sauce over the beef and rice. Gently fold everything together until every bite is coated in cheesy, garlicky goodness. Top with fresh parsley if you like and serve piping hot.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens the plate and adds a pop of color. For extra flair, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a little extra grated Parmesan right before serving. These simple garnishes make your Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce just as stunning as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

Keep things easy with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve with simple roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans. If you’re feeling indulgent, a warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the skillet mixture into individual ramekins and finish with a little extra cheese under the broiler. Or, use the filling to stuff roasted bell peppers for a colorful, dinner-party-worthy main. However you serve it, Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce always steals the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice will take a bit longer to cook and may need a bit more broth. Adjust the simmering time and liquid as needed for tender results.

What other cheeses work in the sauce?

Feel free to experiment—Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a bit of mozzarella can add their own delicious spin. The sharp cheddar and Parmesan give the classic flavor, but mixing things up is half the fun!

Can I make Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the dish as written, cool completely, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to its original creamy glory.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With a simple swap, yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the cheese sauce and double-check that your beef broth is certified gluten-free.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both turkey and chicken work beautifully in this recipe, making it lighter but just as full of savory, cheesy flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food that comes together in a single pan, you absolutely need to try Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce. It’s a dish that always delights, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Give it a whirl and make your dinner table the happiest place in the house tonight!

Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dinner featuring savory ground beef, tender rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this easy-to-make dish combines garlic, butter, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses to create a creamy sauce that brings the whole dish together. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and simple.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Rice

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (85/15)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 ½ cups beef broth

Cheddar Parmesan Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Sauté onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, coating it thoroughly with the beef and spice mixture.
Simmer the rice: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Make the cheese sauce: While the rice cooks, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk to create a smooth sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
Combine and serve: Once the rice is cooked, pour the cheese sauce over the beef and rice mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

You can use pre-cooked rice to speed up cooking—reduce the broth to 1 cup and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the onions.
This dish works well with ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American