CHEESY GROUND BEEF AND RICE WITH GARLIC SAUCE
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 ½ cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside.
Cook the ground beef: While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Season the beef: Add the minced garlic, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika to the beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the seasonings are well combined.
Add the broth and cream: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add the cheese and butter: Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and butter, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the rice and beef: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir until the rice is well coated in the cheesy, seasoned garlic sauce.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.