Garlic Butter Ground Beef And Rice Skillet

Name: Garlic Butter Ground Beef And Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups beef broth; 3 tablespoons garlic butter (or regular butter plus minced garlic); 1 onion, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Ideas

I absolutely love making Garlic Butter Ground Beef and Rice Skillet on busy weeknights. This dish not only packs a ton of flavor, thanks to the fragrant garlic butter, but it's also a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for me after dinner. Using just a few ingredients, I can whip this up in under 30 minutes and have a comforting, hearty meal that the whole family enjoys. It’s become one of our go-to recipes when we need something quick yet satisfying.

Created by

Emma Parker

Last updated on 2026-02-16T10:13:36.432Z

One evening, after a long day, I wanted something quick yet delicious for dinner. I thought about what could be both comforting and easy to prepare. That's when Garlic Butter Ground Beef and Rice Skillet came to mind. The aroma of garlic cooking in butter instantly lifted my spirits, and I knew I was on to something special.

This recipe is truly forgiving; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. I've made it using bell peppers and peas, and each time it turns out fantastic. Remember to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste—it makes all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich garlic flavor mixed with savory beef
Creamy texture from the butter
Ready in just 30 minutes for a quick weeknight meal

Cooking with Ground Beef

When using ground beef in this recipe, opt for a lean variety to reduce excess grease, allowing the flavors from the garlic butter to shine through. If you prefer a richer taste, feel free to utilize a fattier cut, but be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef. This not only improves the dish's flavor but also keeps it from becoming overly greasy.

Another key consideration is the browning technique. Aim for a nice sear over medium heat; the meat should develop a rich brown color, which intensifies the savory notes of the dish. You can accomplish this by not stirring the beef too often during the initial cooking, allowing it to caramelize properly and enhance the overall umami flavor.

Perfecting the Rice Texture

Getting the rice just right is essential for the perfect skillet dish. Use long-grain white rice as it tends to be fluffier and less sticky compared to other varieties, ensuring a pleasing texture. Prior to adding the rice, make sure it is well-coated with garlic butter so that it absorbs those rich flavors during the cooking process.

When simmering the rice in beef broth, keep an eye on the cooking time. If it starts to look too dry before the rice is tender, you can add a splash more broth or water. The goal is for the rice to absorb the liquid completely without becoming mushy, reaching that ideal balance between creaminess from the butter and a slight bite from the rice.

Customizing the Dish

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by incorporating additional vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, or corn can easily be thrown into the skillet along with the peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as necessary, especially for firmer vegetables that may require a bit longer to soften.

If you're looking for a dietary swap, consider using brown rice instead of white for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. Just be aware that the cooking time will increase, as brown rice typically needs about 40-45 minutes to cook through. You may need to add extra broth or water during the cooking process to accommodate this adjustment.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons garlic butter (or regular butter plus minced garlic)
1 onion, diced
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Garlic Butter Ground Beef and Rice Skillet:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the garlic butter. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, ensuring it's coated in the garlic butter, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Add Peas

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and cook until the peas are heated through.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce during cooking. You can also substitute the beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can cook it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply transfer portions to a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the moisture.

If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a skillet, ensuring it is heated all the way through before serving.

Serving Ideas

For an enhanced dining experience, consider serving this skillet dish with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. The crunchy salad will contrast nicely with the creamy beef and rice, while the garlic bread can be a delicious vehicle for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.

You can also elevate the dish by adding shredded cheese on top just before serving. Cheddar or mozzarella works wonderfully, melting into the warm beef and rice for an indulgent finish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a pleasing kick for those who enjoy a little spice.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your rice is undercooked after the initial 15 minutes, don’t worry! Just add a bit more broth or water to the skillet and continue cooking covered for another few minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking or burning, stirring gently if needed.

Alternatively, if the mixture seems too watery at the end, increase the heat slightly and cook uncovered for a few minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens. This reinforces the flavors and guarantees a satisfying, hearty consistency in your dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you'll need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and adjust the broth accordingly.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or even carrots for added nutrition and taste.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat when ready to serve. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stovetop or microwave when ready to eat.