Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet

One-Pan Comfort Meal with Bold Flavors

The Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Tender beef cooked in garlic butter with onions and bell peppers, combined with fluffy rice, creates a one-pan meal packed with savory goodness.

This dish is versatile: you can use ground beef or beef strips, add your favorite vegetables, and even tweak the spices to your taste. It’s fast, comforting, and requires minimal cleanup — everything cooks in a single skillet.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) beef strips or ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent (2–3 minutes).
3. Add vegetables: Stir in diced bell pepper and cook for another 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Season: Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes over the vegetables. Stir to combine.
5. Combine beef and rice: Return cooked beef to the skillet. Add cooked rice and gently fold everything together. Heat through 2–3 minutes.
6. Finish: Sprinkle fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Customizable: Add mushrooms, peas, or corn for extra veggies.
• Quick weeknight meal: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Comforting: Garlic butter makes every bite rich and savory.

Variations & Twists

• Spicy version: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey version.
• Herb-forward: Add thyme, rosemary, or oregano for different flavor notes.
• Asian-inspired: Swap butter with sesame oil and add soy sauce and ginger.

Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet

A hearty one-pan meal with tender beef, garlic butter, vegetables, and fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknights and family dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Main

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb beef strips or ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes optional
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• grated Parmesan cheese optional topping

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Melt 1 tbsp butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add remaining butter, sauté garlic and onions 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add bell pepper, cook 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.
5. Return beef to skillet, add cooked rice, fold gently. Heat through 2–3 minutes.
6. Sprinkle parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Cook rice ahead for faster preparation. Don’t overcook beef for tenderness. Add more vegetables as desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables.
• Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls for a full meal.
• Ideal for meal prep; store in airtight containers and reheat for lunches.

Storage & Tips

• Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Suitable for freezing for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Tip: Cook rice ahead of time for faster preparation.
• Tip: Don’t overcook beef; remove promptly once browned to keep it tender.

FAQ

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of beef strips?
Yes, it works perfectly. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat before continuing.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you avoid soy sauce or other additives.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or corn all work well.