This Garlic Butter Beef & Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings bold flavor and hearty comfort together in a flash. With tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s the kind of easy dinner I keep coming back to. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and full of savory satisfaction—perfect for busy nights when I want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The garlic butter creates an incredibly aromatic base that elevates the simple ingredients. It’s packed with flavor, and I can easily customize it with whatever veggies or spices I have on hand. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether I’m feeding family or friends.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef
white rice (uncooked)
butter
garlic cloves (minced)
onion (diced)
beef broth or water with bouillon
salt
pepper
parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- I start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. I make sure to drain any excess grease.
- Next, I add butter to the same skillet, letting it melt into the beef. Then I stir in the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant.
- I stir in the uncooked rice, coating it well with the garlic butter mixture.
- Then I pour in the beef broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring everything to a boil.
- Once boiling, I reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Finally, I fluff it with a fork, sprinkle with chopped parsley if I have some on hand, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 30 minutes from start to finish—15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. I also like to throw in some vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to bulk it up. Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving gives it a different twist. When I’m in the mood for heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce does the trick.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I like to sprinkle a little water over the rice before microwaving to help it stay moist. This dish also reheats well in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but I have to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often prepare it the day before and just reheat it when ready to serve—it tastes just as good.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
I use water with bouillon or stock cubes as a substitute, and it still turns out flavorful.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, I freeze individual portions in airtight containers and thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I add cheese?
Definitely. I sometimes stir in shredded cheese at the end for a creamy finish.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Beef & Rice Skillet is my go-to when I need something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s endlessly adaptable, comes together in one pan, and always hits the spot. Whether I’m making a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead, this recipe never disappoints.
Garlic Butter Beef & Rice Skillet Magic!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A one-pan Garlic Butter Beef & Rice Skillet recipe that combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich garlic butter sauce for a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth or water with bouillon
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until soft and fragrant.
- Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat it with the garlic butter mixture.
- Pour in the beef broth, season with salt and pepper, 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 the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Top with grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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