Best Garlic Butter Beef Rice

Garlic butter beef rice is one of those weeknight miracles that turns simple pantry ingredients into something truly special. After decades of feeding hungry families, I’ve learned that the best meals don’t require fancy techniques, just good ingredients and a little know-how.

I still remember the first time I made something similar on my grandmother’s old cast-iron skillet during a particularly busy harvest season. The farmhands were coming in from the fields, and I needed something hearty, fast, and satisfying. That’s when I discovered the magic of cooking beef and rice together in one pan, letting all those savory flavors meld into something greater than the sum of its parts. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled that farmhouse kitchen, and I knew I’d stumbled onto a keeper. Time to get your skillet ready.

What Makes This Garlic Butter Beef Rice So Special

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason, and I’m confident it’ll find a permanent spot in your dinner rotation too. It combines everything I look for in a weeknight meal: simplicity, flavor, and that satisfying feeling of putting real food on the table.

Here’s what you’ll love about this garlic butter beef rice:

• Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those evenings when time is tight
• One-pan cooking means less cleanup and more time with your family
• Packed with protein from ground beef, delivering 25-30 grams per serving to keep everyone satisfied
• Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, no special shopping trip required
• Incredibly versatile and welcomes whatever vegetables you need to use up
• Foolproof technique that delivers fluffy, flavorful rice every single time

I’ve made this countless times when my grandchildren visit, and it never fails to get cleaned off their plates. There’s something about that buttery, garlicky goodness that just works.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground beef serves as the protein foundation of this dish, browning beautifully to create those savory bits that flavor the entire meal. I always choose 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture without being too greasy.

Garlic brings aromatic depth that transforms this from ordinary to extraordinary. In my kitchen, I prefer fresh garlic cloves over jarred because that quick sauté releases oils that perfume the entire dish.

Long-grain white rice cooks up fluffy and separate, absorbing all those wonderful flavors from the beef and broth. Betty always reminds me that long-grain varieties work best here because they don’t turn mushy during the simmering process.

Beef broth provides the liquid for cooking while infusing every grain of rice with rich, meaty flavor. I’ve found that using quality broth makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.

Soy sauce adds that savory umami depth and a subtle saltiness that rounds out all the flavors beautifully.

Unsalted butter gets stirred in at the end, creating that luscious, silky finish that gives this garlic butter beef rice its name. I always choose unsalted so I can control the seasoning precisely.

Onion powder and black pepper work as the backbone seasonings, adding layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Green onions and sesame seeds provide the finishing touches: fresh, bright garnishes that add color and a slight crunch to each bite.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Rice

Step 1. I always start by heating the olive oil in my large skillet over medium-high heat, then adding the ground beef and breaking it apart as it browns. This creates those flavorful caramelized bits that make the whole dish sing.

Step 2. Once the beef is nicely browned, I drain off any excess fat (leaving just a tablespoon or so for flavor) and add the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute until that wonderful aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3. Betty’s tip: Add the uncooked rice directly to the beef and garlic, stirring it around for about 30 seconds so each grain gets coated with those flavors before any liquid goes in.

Step 4. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, onion powder, and black pepper, then bring everything to a rolling boil. I’ve learned that getting a good boil before reducing the heat ensures the rice cooks evenly.

Step 5. After years of making this garlic butter beef rice, I know the most important step is reducing the heat to low, covering the skillet tightly, and resisting the urge to peek for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6. When the time’s up, remove the skillet from the heat but keep it covered for another 5-10 minutes. This resting period lets the rice finish steaming and absorb any remaining moisture.

Step 7. I’ve found that fluffing the rice gently with a fork before stirring in the butter gives you those perfect, separated grains instead of a sticky mass.

Step 8. The final step is where the magic happens: stir in that unsalted butter until it melts completely, coating everything in rich, silky goodness, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving hot.

Keeping This Garlic Butter Beef Rice Fresh

Leftovers of this dish actually taste wonderful the next day, which is why I often make a full batch even for just myself. Store your garlic butter beef rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I typically use glass containers with tight-fitting lids because they don’t absorb odors and reheat beautifully.

Betty’s freezing method works well if you want to make this ahead. Portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, pressing out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. The texture stays surprisingly good when you thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For the best texture, I reheat portions in the microwave with a tablespoon of beef broth or water sprinkled over the top, covering it with a damp paper towel to create steam. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of liquid, stirring occasionally until heated through. The key I discovered is adding a bit of moisture during reheating to bring back that just-cooked fluffiness.

Perfect Partners for Garlic Butter Beef Rice

This hearty garlic butter beef rice stands well on its own, but pairing it with the right sides creates a complete, satisfying meal that feeds both body and soul.

• Steamed broccoli or green beans provide a fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the rich, buttery rice while adding important vegetables to your plate
• Simple garden salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness with bright, acidic notes. I like using a lemon-based dressing for an extra layer of freshness
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots add caramelized sweetness that complements the savory beef beautifully, especially during fall and winter months
• Cucumber salad with rice vinegar brings a cool, refreshing element that balances the warm, hearty main dish
• Sautéed snap peas or bok choy keep the Asian-inspired flavor profile going while adding color and crunch to your dinner plate
• Honey glazed carrots and green beans are perfect for bringing sweetness to balance the savory garlic butter sauce

If you’re looking for more one-pan protein and rice combinations, try my French onion ground beef and rice casserole or this street corn chicken rice bowl for different flavor profiles.

FAQs

Best Garlic Butter Beef Rice

A quick and flavorful one-pan meal where tender ground beef and fluffy rice are cooked in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
• 2.5 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions sliced, for garnish
• 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet or pot with a lid
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, soy sauce, onion powder, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5-10 minutes.
6. Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the unsalted butter until it’s melted and fully incorporated.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Use a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid to ensure the rice cooks evenly. Do not lift the lid too often while simmering. For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add frozen peas or diced carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables. Add red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy kick.