There’s something magical about a skillet meal that fills the whole house with the aroma of sizzling butter and garlic. This Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce is comfort food at its finest — rich, savory, and wonderfully creamy, yet made in one pan from start to finish. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any night of the week.

It starts with the comforting sizzle of ground beef in butter and garlic — a sound that promises warmth and flavor in every bite. Then you fold in fluffy cooked rice, coat everything in a creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce, and finish it off with a garnish of parsley and a golden layer of melted cheese. The result is a dinner that’s hearty, cozy, and destined to become a family favorite.

If you’ve ever found yourself craving something creamy, garlicky, and utterly satisfying after a long day, this dish will hit the spot. It’s a hug in a skillet — rich with buttery flavor, balanced with sharp cheese, and made all the more comforting by the simplicity of rice and beef.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
3 cups cooked white or brown rice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups milk or half-and-half
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Transfer beef to a plate and set aside.
Make the garlic butter base: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant — about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Create the sauce: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste (roux). Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the cheeses: Reduce heat to low, then stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth, thickened, and creamy.
Combine the skillet: Return the cooked beef to the pan, then stir in the cooked rice until everything is coated in the sauce.
Taste and adjust: Add more salt or pepper if needed. If the mixture feels too thick, splash in a bit more milk to loosen it up.
Garnish and serve: Top with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheese before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Use day-old rice: Slightly dry rice holds up better in creamy sauces and keeps the texture perfect.
Want extra cheesiness? Mix in mozzarella for a stretchy finish.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Add veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or chopped bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.

Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce

A creamy, cheesy, one-pan meal featuring garlic butter ground beef, rice, and a luscious cheddar-Parmesan sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 670

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
3 cups cooked rice white or brown
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1.5 cups milk or half-and-half
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups
Whisk

Method

In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and season.
Remove beef and set aside. Melt remaining butter in skillet and sauté minced garlic.
Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a roux.
Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted into a creamy sauce.
Return beef to skillet, then fold in cooked rice until fully coated.
Season to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture. Add milk as needed to loosen the sauce when reheating.

Variations

Chicken Version: Swap ground beef for shredded or diced chicken.
Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning and top with salsa and sour cream.
Broccoli Cheddar Beef: Mix in steamed broccoli for a hearty family-style casserole flavor.

Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with crusty garlic bread for extra indulgence. For a cozier meal, serve it in individual bowls topped with a little extra melted cheddar — because there’s no such thing as too much cheese.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

You can also freeze portions for up to 1 month — thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat until hot.

FAQ
Q: Can I use leftover rice?
A: Absolutely! Leftover rice works beautifully in this recipe and helps the sauce cling better.

Q: Can I substitute milk with cream?
A: Yes — using cream will make it even richer, but milk keeps it lighter while still creamy.

Q: Can this be made ahead?
A: Yes. Make the full recipe, then refrigerate and reheat before serving. It reheats deliciously with a touch of milk.

History / Fun Facts
Cheesy rice and beef skillets have roots in old-fashioned one-pan farmhouse meals that were created for simplicity and sustenance. Over time, the addition of garlic butter and cheese transformed this humble idea into a modern comfort food classic. Parmesan brings an Italian flair, while cheddar gives that bold, creamy sharpness we all crave — blending the best of both worlds into one cozy, skillet-sized masterpiece.

Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet with Cheddar Parmesan Sauce – One Pan Comfort at Its Best