One-Pot Marry Me Beef

Featured in: Effortless Meals in One Dish

This one-pot dish combines savory ground beef, Italian-inspired herbs, and piquant sun-dried tomatoes with tender rice cooked in rich beef broth. Finished with a splash of heavy cream and nutty Parmesan cheese, each bite offers creamy comfort and bold flavors. Fresh basil adds aromatic brightness, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and balanced textures make this a satisfying dinner option you’ll want to revisit often.

Tags: #halal #gluten-free #family-friendly #budget-friendly #north-american #italian #one-pot #beef #high-protein #easy #under-30-minutes #dinner

sana kitchen chef
By Sana Sana
Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:38:17 GMT
A bowl of beef and rice with a sprig of basil on top. Pin it
A bowl of beef and rice with a sprig of basil on top. | recipebyme.com

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
A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables, including green onions and basil, is served with a glass of wine.
A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables, including green onions and basil, is served with a glass of wine. | recipebyme.com

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

A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables, including spinach and red peppers, is served with a glass of wine.
A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables, including spinach and red peppers, is served with a glass of wine. | recipebyme.com

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

Recipe FAQs

→ 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.

One-Pot Marry Me Beef

Creamy beef and rice skillet with bold Italian flavors and fresh basil garnish, ready in just one pot.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
40 min
By Sana: Sana


Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 main dish servings)

Dietary Categories: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound lean ground beef
02 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
03 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
04 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
05 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
08 3/4 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
09 1 3/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
10 1/4 cup heavy cream
11 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

12 Fresh basil leaves
13 Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Steps

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink.

Step 02

Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 03

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to lightly toast the rice.

Step 04

Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 05

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Continue until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 06

Uncover and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.

Step 07

Remove from heat. Top with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  1. For deeper flavor, use fire-roasted sun-dried tomatoes and garnish with extra black pepper and freshly torn basil.

Required Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains milk (Parmesan cheese, heavy cream)

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This data is provided as a guide and doesn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 430
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 28 g