When comfort food calls, this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef and Cheddar Rice Delight is the answer. It’s a rich, savory, and satisfying one-pot dish featuring tender ground beef, buttery garlic, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of homey goodness—like the perfect balance between a hearty casserole and a skillet dinner.
I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something simple yet comforting. Once, I swapped the ground beef for ground turkey and added a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top—it turned out heavenly. The garlic butter and cheddar combination gives this dish a nostalgic, stick-to-your-ribs flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef and Cheddar Rice Delight is quick, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s a full meal in one pot—protein, carbs, and cheese all working together in creamy harmony. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef and Cheddar Rice Delight: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed One-Pot Meal
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and comforting one-pan meal made with tender ground beef, fluffy rice, cheddar cheese, and a creamy garlic butter sauce — the perfect easy weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until beef is well seasoned.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the beef mixture for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Once rice is cooked, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add an additional tablespoon of butter when adding the cream.
- Use white cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a sharper flavor.
- You can substitute cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice to make it lighter.
- Pairs perfectly with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef – Adds hearty, savory richness to the dish.
Butter – Creates a velvety texture and brings out the garlic flavor.
Garlic (minced) – Infuses the rice and sauce with aromatic depth.
Onion (diced) – Adds sweetness and enhances the savory base.
Long-grain white rice – Absorbs all the flavors beautifully while keeping the dish fluffy.
Beef broth – Adds richness and depth to the rice and sauce.
Heavy cream or half-and-half – Gives the dish its creamy, luxurious texture.
Cheddar cheese (shredded) – Melts into the sauce, adding a sharp, comforting flavor.
Parmesan cheese – Enhances the cheesiness and adds a subtle nutty undertone.
Garlic powder and onion powder – Boost the flavor profile.
Paprika – Adds warmth and color.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Directions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, melt the butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, letting it toast lightly for 1–2 minutes to absorb the buttery garlic flavor.
- Pour in the broth: Add beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Make it creamy: Stir in the cooked beef, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Cook for another 2–3 minutes over low heat until creamy and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra cheddar if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 35 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes of cooking. It’s the perfect easy comfort meal for any night of the week.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. You can also freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Garlic Beef Rice
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
Vegetable-Packed Version
Stir in peas, corn, or spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.
Cheesy Ranch Twist
Mix in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
Bacon Lovers’ Delight
Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the top before serving for a smoky finish.
Mushroom and Onion Version
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for earthy depth.
Low-Carb Option
Replace the rice with cauliflower rice—cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes and add a bit more broth.
2. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes—reduce the broth to ½ cup and skip the simmering step. Add rice once the sauce is creamy.
3. Can I substitute the beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage work great too.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk instead of cream.
5. Can I bake this dish?
Yes—transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
6. Can I add more cheese?
Of course! Extra cheddar or a mix of cheeses makes it even creamier.
7. What sides go best with this meal?
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness perfectly.
8. Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but reduce the broth and cooking time by half.
9. Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the beef and use veggie broth with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
10. How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes or stir in a bit of cream cheese for added creaminess.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef and Cheddar Rice Delight is the definition of cozy comfort food—rich, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy. With its buttery garlic base, creamy sauce, and satisfying beef and rice combo, it’s a one-pot wonder that feels indulgent yet easy to make. Whether for family dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to become one of your go-to comfort classics.
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