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This One-Pot Marry Me Beef is my tried and true answer to hectic weeknights when everyone craves comfort and you need a meal that works magic with just a handful of pantry ingredients A little bit creamy a little bit spicy and undeniably crowd-pleasing this recipe makes a hearty dinner with minimal fuss or cleanup
The first time I cooked this it was a chilly night and I wanted something cozy and easy My husband actually said maybe you should make this every week so now it is a regular in our dinner rotation
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: Adds succulent flavor and satisfying protein Look for 90 percent lean for best balance
- Garlic: Fresh cloves give bold taste but you can sub in dried for speed Choose firm bulbs with tight skins
- Italian seasoning: Brings herby aromatic notes Use a blend without salt to control seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For gentle heat Add as much or as little as you love Check the label for color and vibrancy
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors Go for fine sea salt or kosher salt
- Black pepper: Gives gentle warmth and a savory finish Fresh cracked makes a difference
- Chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Deep tangy richness Rinse off excess oil for less grease
- Long-grain white rice: Keeps every bite light and fluffy Choose a rice that cooks in about 15 to 20 minutes
- Beef broth: Low-sodium is best to avoid excess saltiness Richer broths create deeper taste
- Heavy cream: The secret for a velvety sauce Use fresh cream with a long expiration for best results
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty umami and creaminess Freshly grated will melt in perfectly
- Fresh basil: For finishing and a touch of brightness Opt for perky leaves that smell sweet
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat Break it up with a spoon as it browns Continue until it is fully cooked and no pink remains This step builds a savory base
- Add the Aromatics and Spices:
- Scatter in the garlic Italian seasoning crushed red pepper salt and black pepper Let everything cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is softened and the mixture is fragrant The spices release flavor into the oil in this moment
- Toast the Rice and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and rice Let them toast in the pan for about 30 seconds Toasting the rice gives it a nuttier flavor and helps it hold its shape in the sauce
- Simmer with Broth:
- Pour in the beef broth Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan They are pure flavor gold Bring the mix to a gentle simmer
- Cook Covered:
- Reduce the heat to low Cover tightly and let it cook for 20 minutes Stir every 5 minutes to ensure the rice cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom The rice should be plump and most of the liquid will be absorbed when it is done
- Add Cream and Cheese:
- Remove the lid Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until it looks creamy and thick This is the moment everything comes together
- Finish and Serve:
- Pile onto plates and scatter with lots of fresh basil and more Parmesan if you like Serve hot and enjoy each cozy bite
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I never get tired of those bits of sun-dried tomatoes They bring pops of tang and color to every single bite My mom once asked for this recipe specifically for a Sunday lunch so now it has turned into a new family classic
Storage Tips
This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days Store in a sealed container and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of extra broth or water to revive the creamy sauce Avoid freezing with the rice already mixed in as the texture will change but you can freeze leftovers if needed for easy meal prep Keep some extra Parmesan on hand to freshen up each reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version try using half and half in place of heavy cream Swap the beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for dietary needs Short-grain rice can work but will be creamier and less fluffy If you do not have sun-dried tomatoes try diced fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed in a splash of olive oil
Serving Suggestions
Spoon it into wide bowls with crusty bread and a green salad for a satisfying dinner Double the recipe for meal prepping lunches or feeding a crowd Garnish with extra basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness
Cultural Context
This recipe takes the soul-soothing all-in-one comfort of classic American casseroles and gives it a modern creamy Italian twist I like to think of it as a little nod to both my childhood and my wanderlust for Italian kitchens
Seasonal Adaptations
Add fresh spinach in the last few minutes for color and extra nutrition Use roasted red peppers in place of sun-dried tomatoes for a sweeter touch Sprinkle fresh chives or flat leaf parsley in spring or summer for a herbal pop
Helpful Notes
Switch up the cheeses for a twist Pecorino Romano adds even more punch A drizzle of good olive oil at the end makes it taste like a restaurant dish Leftovers make great stuffed bell peppers just scoop and bake until heated through
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When you want something warm satisfying and sure to win over even picky eaters One-Pot Marry Me Beef is your answer It is homemade comfort without the stress and it never fails to leave everyone happy at the table
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of ground beef is best for this dish?
Lean ground beef works well to keep the dish hearty without excess grease, ensuring a balanced texture and flavor.
- → Can I substitute the rice with another grain?
Yes, you can use short-grain rice, quinoa, or even orzo. Adjust liquid and cooking time as needed for best results.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh basil?
Fresh basil offers bright, aromatic notes, but you can substitute with a sprinkle of dried basil in a pinch.
- → How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The spice is mild but easily adjustable. Simply reduce or omit the flakes for less heat, or add more for a bolder taste.
- → Can this be made ahead and reheated?
Absolutely! This one-pot meal reheats well either on the stove or in the microwave, making it great for meal prep.