Creamy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

This Creamy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is one of those cozy one-pan dinners that always hits the spot. Juicy ground beef, tender rice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and plenty of Parmesan come together in a rich, creamy sauce that feels comforting without being heavy.

It’s the kind of recipe you reach for on busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want a sink full of dishes. Like many of my favorite beef recipes, it’s simple, cozy, and mostly hands-off once the rice starts simmering.

The beef is browned until golden, then simmered with rice in a savory broth and milk mixture that turns creamy as it cooks. Finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, this dish is warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Why This Recipe Works

Browning the ground beef first builds deep, savory flavor and creates a rich base for the whole skillet. Once it’s golden, the seasonings really wake up, and the butter, onion, and Dijon mustard add just enough richness and balance without overpowering the beef.

The rice cooks directly in the skillet, absorbing the beef broth and milk as it simmers, which gives it a creamy, risotto-like texture without constant stirring. If you enjoy cozy, one-pan meals like this, you’ll find more ideas in my rice recipes collection.

If you enjoy cozy skillet dinners like this, you might also like this beef and rice skillet, another simple one-pan meal that’s hearty and satisfying.

Quick Look at the Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, easy ingredients that work together to create a rich, creamy one-pan meal. Nothing complicated here, just pantry staples and a few fresh items that come together in a really satisfying way.

• Ground beef – the heart of this dish. Browning it well adds deep, savory flavor and gives the skillet a rich base before anything else goes in.
• Long-grain white rice – cooks right in the skillet, soaking up the broth and milk as it simmers. It turns tender and creamy without becoming mushy.
• Onion and garlic – simple but essential. They soften into the beef and create that warm, comforting aroma that makes this dish feel truly homemade.
• Dijon mustard – just a small amount, but it adds subtle depth and helps balance the richness of the beef and cream.
• Beef broth – brings savory flavor to the rice and keeps everything well-seasoned from the inside out.
• Milk or half-and-half – this is what gives the rice its creamy, almost risotto-like texture without extra steps.
• Parmesan cheese – melts into the skillet at the end, adding saltiness and helping the sauce thicken naturally.
• Dried thyme – a gentle herb that pairs perfectly with beef and adds warmth without overpowering the dish.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef and Rice

Start by warming a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and gently break it up as it cooks. After a couple of minutes, season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Let the beef continue cooking until it develops a deep golden color. This step builds the rich, savory foundation of the dish.

With the beef nicely browned, add the butter and diced onion to the skillet. As the butter melts, the onion softens and turns translucent, picking up all those flavorful browned bits from the pan.

Stir in the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and rice, allowing everything to cook together for a minute or two so the rice becomes lightly toasted and well coated.

Pour in the hot beef broth and milk, then sprinkle in the dried thyme. Give everything a gentle stir, cover the skillet, and lower the heat. At this point, the rice slowly simmers, absorbing the savory, creamy liquid as it cooks, no need to stir, just let it do its thing for about 18 to 20 minutes.

Once the rice is tender, remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir the rice and beef together, making sure everything is evenly combined. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, then cover the pan once more and let it rest for a few minutes. This final rest allows the sauce to thicken naturally and brings the whole dish together into a creamy, comforting skillet dinner.

As the skillet rests, the sauce continues to thicken and the rice finishes absorbing all that creamy, savory flavor. This short pause makes a noticeable difference, turning the dish from simply cooked into something truly comforting. When you lift the lid, you’re left with tender rice, rich beef, and a creamy texture that feels just right.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Rice

Take the time to brown the ground beef well before adding anything else to the skillet. Letting it cook until golden builds deep flavor and prevents the final dish from tasting flat. Once the rice goes in, keep the heat low and resist the urge to stir too often, gentle simmering allows the rice to absorb the liquid evenly and turn tender without breaking.

Using hot broth helps the rice start cooking right away and keeps the texture consistent. After cooking, letting the skillet rest covered for a few minutes is key. This short rest allows the sauce to thicken naturally and gives the rice time to finish absorbing the creamy liquid, resulting in a rich, cohesive texture rather than a soupy finish.

Storage

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the dish sits, the rice will continue to absorb some of the sauce, which actually makes the flavors even more developed the next day.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a small splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir halfway through reheating to bring everything back to a creamy, cohesive texture.

Variations

This creamy ground beef and rice skillet is easy to adapt depending on what you have on hand. Ground turkey or chicken works well in place of beef, creating a lighter but still satisfying version. You can also stir in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach toward the end for extra texture and color.

For a slightly richer finish, swap the milk for half-and-half or add a little extra Parmesan at the end. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce blends in nicely without overpowering the creamy base.

Cooking Questions You Might Have

Using a different type of rice

• Long-grain white rice works best and gives the most consistent, fluffy texture.
• Short-grain or arborio rice will release more starch and create a thicker, risotto-like result.
• Brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time, so adjustments are required.

Making it ahead of time

• This dish reheats very well and is a great option for meal prep.
• The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers especially good.
• Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Why the resting step matters

• The resting time allows the rice to finish absorbing the sauce.
• It helps the dish thicken naturally instead of staying loose.
• This step creates a more cohesive, creamy final texture.

Dairy-free options

• Use an unsweetened plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.
• Skip the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
• The dish will be slightly lighter but still flavorful.