I crafted this creamy, savory one‑pan skillet combining seasoned ground beef, garlic‑buttered rice, and a cheddar‑parmesan sauce—all in about 35–40 minutes for a comforting, easy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how minimal cleanup and maximum flavor come together here. The combination of browned garlic and butter infused into the rice, melded with cheesy sauce and beef, hits all my cozy‑food cravings. It’s affordable, satisfying, and way better than takeout—even uses pantry staples I usually have. The family always gathers around this skillet!

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 cup long‑grain white rice (uncooked)
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high, brown the beef, season lightly, and drain excess fat.
I push beef aside, add garlic to the bare pan, sauté ~1 minute.
I stir in onion powder and Cajun seasoning, coating the beef.
I add rice and beef broth, bring it to a boil.
I reduce to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
Off heat, I mix in Parmesan and cheddar until creamy and cheesy.
I taste and adjust seasoning, serve hot—garnished with parsley or extra cheese if I want.

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep 10–15 minutes, cook 20–25 minutes, total 35–40 minutes

Variations

Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use brown rice—just need to increase liquid and cooking time slightly.
Make it spicy with crushed red pepper or extra Cajun seasoning.
For a golden crust, sprinkle extra cheese on top and briefly broil before serving.
Boost veggies—add bell peppers or spinach when mixing in cheese.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge (up to 4 days). To reheat, I add a splash of broth or water and microwave or rewarm gently on the stove. It also freezes well (up to 2 months): I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with extra cheese to refresh it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes—I’ve used brown rice (just add a bit more broth and cook ~5 minutes longer). Quinoa is also an option; adjust liquid and timing accordingly.

What if I don't have Cajun seasoning?

I mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of cayenne to mimic it—it works great.

How can I reduce the spiciness for kids?

I halve or leave out the Cajun seasoning and rely on garlic and cheese for flavor—a much milder version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I cook it, cool it, and store it. Then I reheat on the stove or microwave, often adding more cheese to revive the sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely—just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven. It reheats just as well and works well for feeding a crowd.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Beef & Rice Skillet delivers comfort in every bite with minimal effort. I love how it transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy dinner that’s family‑friendly, affordable, and easy to customize. Try it tonight—I guarantee it’ll become a go‑to in your kitchen.