Introduction

This Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender ground beef, long-grain rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

The dish is a creamy risotto served in a round white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The risotto base fills the bowl with a smooth, light beige texture. On top, there are pieces of browned sausage scattered evenly, adding a rough, brown texture. The whole dish is covered with a melted layer of yellow and orange cheddar cheese that looks gooey and soft. Small green herbs are sprinkled lightly on the cheese, adding small dots of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 lb ground beef
1 small diced onion
4 minced garlic cloves
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups low sodium beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until it changes color. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything well.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice absorbs the broth and is tender.
Step 6: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Stir in the Parmesan, cheddar, and milk. Keep stirring until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef and rice. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 8: Cook uncovered for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk in the cheese sauce.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Stir in some frozen peas or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

This is a close-up view of a creamy risotto dish served in a white bowl. The base layer is soft, glossy rice cooked to a creamy texture, covering the bottom. On top, scattered browned sausage pieces create a contrast with their slightly crisp and textured surface. The final layer is melted cheese, golden and bubbly with patches of orange and light brown, slightly covering both the rice and sausage. Small green herb sprinkles add a touch of color over the cheese. The background is a white marbled texture, and a woman's hand is gently holding the bowl on one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If substituting, increase the beef broth and simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.