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To make Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet, gather these key items: - 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice - 4 cups beef broth - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup frozen peas - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can switch some ingredients if needed. Here are a few options: - Use brown rice instead of jasmine for a healthier choice. - Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. - If you lack fresh garlic, use garlic powder instead, about 1 teaspoon. - Replace bell pepper with any other vegetable, like zucchini or carrots. Selecting good ingredients matters. Here’s how to pick the best: - For beef, choose lean ground beef with a bright red color. - Check for a fresh smell; it should not have any sour or off odor. - Look for high-quality jasmine rice that feels light and dry. - Avoid any rice with a lot of broken pieces, as it can affect the texture. These tips help ensure you cook a delicious and satisfying meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter if you do. Turn up the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it is browned. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If there is extra fat in the skillet, drain it off. Now, stir in the uncooked jasmine rice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for another 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The rice should be fluffy and absorb most of the liquid. When the rice is cooked, mix in the frozen peas and the rest of the butter. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the peas are hot. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. To get fluffy rice, rinse it first. Rinsing removes excess starch. This helps prevent clumping. Use jasmine rice for a fragrant touch. When cooking, let it simmer gently. Keep the lid on while it cooks. This traps steam and helps the rice absorb the broth. Check it after 15 minutes. If it needs more time, cover it again for a few minutes. Flavor is key in this dish. Use fresh garlic for its strong aroma. A mix of dried oregano and thyme adds depth. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Don't be shy! Taste as you go. Add a dash of paprika if you like a little heat. Lastly, fresh parsley on top gives a nice finish and brightens the dish. Want to save time? Prep your veggies ahead of time. Dice the onion and bell pepper earlier in the day. You can also use frozen peas straight from the bag. They cook quickly and add color. While the rice simmers, clean up your workspace. This way, your meal is ready in about 40 minutes. Enjoy your time in the kitchen! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the flavor of your dish. Add them at the end for a burst of freshness. Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices, making it more flavorful. Toasting Rice: Toasting the rice briefly before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor and improves the overall taste of the dish. Adjusting Consistency: If the rice absorbs too much liquid, simply add a little more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can adjust this dish to fit different diets. For a lighter meal, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you want a vegetarian version, swap the beef for cooked lentils or mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based option. If you are gluten-free, make sure to pick gluten-free broth and rice. Want to give your skillet a new taste? Try adding different spices. A pinch of smoked paprika adds warmth. You can also add a splash of soy sauce for a savory kick. If you love heat, toss in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also add veggies like diced carrots or zucchini for extra nutrients. These additions enhance flavor and make your meal colorful. This meal stands alone, but you can pair it with sides. A simple garden salad brings freshness to the table. You might also serve it with crusty bread to soak up extra sauce. If you want something warm, garlic bread is a great choice too. For a healthy option, steamed broccoli or green beans work well. These sides will balance the richness of the garlic butter beef and rice. After cooking your garlic butter beef and rice skillet, let it cool. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, place your skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often until it’s heated through. You can also use a microwave. Cover the bowl with a paper towel and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. It can last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice is whole grain and has more fiber. It will take longer to cook than jasmine rice. Adjust the beef broth amount and cooking time. Use about 4.5 cups of broth and simmer for 30-40 minutes. You can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat. Ground turkey is lean and healthy. If you want a veggie option, try crumbled tofu or lentils. Both options add great flavor. Leftovers will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Reheat your meal on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure it heats evenly for best taste. This blog post gives you all the details to create a tasty beef and rice dish. We discussed key ingredients and how to pick good beef and rice. I shared step-by-step cooking tips and tricks to make your rice perfect. You explored variations to suit your tastes and learned proper storage techniques. In the end, cooking should feel fun and easy. With these insights, you can make a meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal featuring ground beef, jasmine rice, and a medley of vegetables, all cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the uncooked jasmine rice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly.
  • Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen peas and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes until the peas are heated through.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to customize the dish.
Keyword beef, one-pan meal, rice, skillet