1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Butter Beef Rice

Simple Buttery Beef Rice

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

This all happens in one pot. Firs​t, you lightly brown the beef and onions in melted butter, then stir in garlic and Italian herbs. The rice follows, simmering in beef broth to take on all the flavors. Toward the end, cheddar and Parmesan melt into the mix, making it extra creamy. Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of green before serving.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A man wearing a white shirt and suspenders holding a piece of paper.
Updated on Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:42:19 GMT
Butter Beef Rice Pin it
Butter Beef Rice | chefmelt.com

Cozy, rich beef and light rice blend perfectly in this no-fuss dinner loaded with cheesy flavors and tons of garlic. I always turn to this skillet when things get busy and I need something quick and filling. Each mouthful feels so comforting with those melty, deep flavors that remind me of family dinners and laughter in our kitchen.

I first created this dish last winter with almost nothing left in the fridge. My husband ate three servings and begged me to add it to our regular dinner lineup.

Nourishing Ingredients

  • Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a hint of pepper. Try flat-leaf for extra flavor.
  • Italian seasoning: Boosts the smell wonderfully. Works with your own mix or from a jar.
  • Salt and pepper: Bring all flavors together. Go for freshly ground pepper for better taste.
  • Milk: Creates that silky texture. Full-fat makes everything richer.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, wonderful flavor. Real Parmigiano Reggiano can't be beat!
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Makes everything gooey. Hand-grate for smoother melting.
  • Butter: Gives a velvety feel. Go with unsalted to manage the saltiness yourself.
  • Garlic: Brings big flavor. Fresh minced works best.
  • Onion: Adds natural sweetness. Look for firm ones without soft spots.
  • Low sodium beef broth: Gives moisture and depth. Pick one without additives for cleaner flavor.
  • Long grain white rice: Drinks up all those tasty juices. Check for nice smell and unbroken grains.
  • Ground beef: Forms the hearty base. Fresh ground or leaner options taste best.

Easy Instructions

Mix and Complete:
Add your rich cheese mixture straight into the pan with meat and rice. Mix well. Cook uncovered for a bit longer. This helps everything come together nicely. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Prepare the Cheese Blend:
Meanwhile, melt your remaining butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add milk, both cheeses, and stir until smooth with no lumps showing.
Cook the Rice:
When garlic smells amazing, add your uncooked rice, broth, Italian seasonings, plus some salt and pepper. Stir well. Bring everything to a boil, lower heat, cover, and let it bubble gently for about 20 minutes. Rice should absorb most liquid and become tender.
Cook the Garlic:
Toss in minced garlic after meat is done. Keep stirring for about a minute—don't let it get brown or it'll taste bitter.
Cook the Meat:
Toss in ground beef. Break it apart while cooking. Continue until no pink remains. Drain off fat so dish isn't greasy.
Start with Veggies:
First, cook diced onions in butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir gently for about 4 minutes until they're transparent and soft. This builds the flavor foundation!
A bowl of food with meat and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of food with meat and cheese. | chefmelt.com

I really enjoy adding fresh garlic. The aroma fills up the kitchen so fast that everyone comes running to check what's cooking. It's such a powerful memory maker—especially when my little one asked for more just from smelling how good it was.

Keeping It Fresh

This garlic butter beef with rice stays good in your fridge for up to three days. Store it in airtight containers so the rice doesn't dry out. Want to save it longer? Pack into individual portions and heat slowly with a splash of milk or stock to keep everything moist and tasty.

Mix It Up

Need something lighter? Switch to ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Try any cheese you have—mozzarella or Monterey Jack work great! If you can't have gluten, just pick a broth that says gluten-free. No Italian seasoning around? Just throw together some basil, oregano and thyme on your own.

Perfect Matches

This meal works by itself, but I think it's best with a crisp salad or some steamed broccoli for balance. Grab warm bread or cheesy garlic toast to soak up all that sauce. For extra kick, try a squeeze of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes right before you eat.

Food Origins

Cheesy beef and rice skillets are favorites in many American homes, inspired by traditional comfort food. One-pot meals became popular during the 1960s when families wanted hearty cooking with less cleanup. The garlic and butter bring European influence, while the cheddar and parmesan create that classic homey feeling.

A bowl of food with meat and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of food with meat and cheese. | chefmelt.com

For such a simple dish, this garlic butter beef and rice really leaves an impression. It's total comfort food that you'll want again and again!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Absolutely! Brown rice works, but you'll need extra liquid since it takes longer to soften up.

→ Can I switch beef with turkey?

Sure thing! Ground turkey is a great stand-in. It makes for a lighter dish but still super tasty.

→ How do I get it creamier?

Want it extra creamy? Mix in a little cream or more milk when adding the cheese.

→ Can I toss in veggies here?

Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or even peas can be thrown in toward the end for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ What cheese swaps work?

If you're not feeling cheddar or Parmesan, try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder vibe.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently when you're ready to eat.

Butter Beef Rice

Soft rice, rich beef, and creamy cheese come together effortlessly. Comfort food that's quick, satisfying, and flavorful.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 720 ml unsalted beef broth
02 450 g minced beef
03 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 200 g uncooked white rice (long-grain)
05 4 garlic cloves, minced

→ Dairy and Cheese

06 120 g grated cheddar cheese
07 120 ml whole milk
08 50 g Parmesan cheese, shredded
09 45 g unsalted butter

→ Seasoning and Garnish

10 1 teaspoon Italian dried herb mix
11 Salt and black pepper (adjust as needed)
12 Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for topping

Instructions

Step 01

Melt about a third of the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Drop in the onion and cook it for 3–4 minutes until it softens and turns clear.

Step 02

Add the minced beef and start breaking it apart as it cooks. Keep going until it’s no longer pink, and drain off extra grease if necessary.

Step 03

Throw in the minced garlic and stir it around for about a minute. When you can really smell the garlic, it’s good to go.

Step 04

Mix the raw rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the pan. Stir until everything’s combined and evenly mixed.

Step 05

Crank up the heat until you see a light boil, then drop it to low and cover the pan. Let it cook for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the broth is gone.

Step 06

In a different small pot, melt the rest of the butter over low heat. Stir in the milk and gradually add both cheeses. Mix it together until it’s smooth and gooey.

Step 07

Pour the cheese sauce into the beef and rice mixture. Keep stirring until it’s all creamy and blends perfectly.

Step 08

Simmer the dish uncovered for another 2–3 minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some parsley on top just before serving while it’s warm.

Notes

  1. Watch the pan as it cooks so the rice doesn’t stick or turn mushy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Pan lid
  • Spatula or big spoon for stirring

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy like milk and cheese

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 586
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 44 g
  • Protein: 33 g