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Treat yourself to this all-in-one Marry Me Beef that mixes together creamy rice, perfectly browned ground beef, and the punchy notes of sun dried tomato and parmesan. It’s a weeknight favorite at our place because you get comfort food in a snap—without a mountain of dishes waiting for you after.
The first time I whipped this up was on a random Monday night to celebrate our anniversary. Now it’s what I reach for whenever I need hugs-in-a-bowl without a ton of effort.
Amazing Ingredients
- Fresh basil, chopped: Totally optional but gives a burst of freshness and smells awesome in the final dish
- Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for gooey meltiness and sharp flavor Use the real deal if you can
- Heavy cream: Just a little bit makes it extra smooth and rich
- Long grain white rice: It soaks up flavors and cooks up fluffy Pick your favorite brand for steady results
- Sun dried tomatoes: For tangy richness Go with the ones in oil for best taste just blot them a bit first
- Beef broth: Use low sodium so you control the salt or use homemade if you’re up for it
- Salt and black pepper, freshly cracked: Can’t skip these—they bring out everything else’s flavor
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Toss in to taste for gentle heat or go bold if you like it spicy
- Italian seasoning: Classic herby goodness Swap in your preferred blend if you’re feeling creative
- Minced garlic: Fresh gives real punch but jarred is easier for rushed nights
- Laura’s Lean ground beef: Lean keeps it lighter but stays tasty Try to grab the freshest pack you find
Easy Directions
- Serve and Top Off:
- Spoon it up while it’s hot. Throw on more cheese and a touch of fresh basil if you want some zing.
- Wrap up With Cream and Parm:
- Take off the lid and stir in cream and a big handful of parmesan. Watch it all get super creamy. Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it.
- Let It Simmer With a Lid:
- Drop the heat and cover. Let it cook about 20 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then so rice doesn’t stick and everything gets done. By the end, most of the liquid’s gone and rice is nice and soft.
- Add Broth & Scrape Tasty Bits:
- Pour in beef broth and get those brown bits off the pan with your spoon—those are pure flavor. Get it bubbling gently.
- Toss In Rice and Tomatoes:
- Now mix in chopped sun dried tomatoes and rice. Give everything a good toss for around half a minute to get a whiff of that nutty smell. Don’t let the rice turn brown.
- Bloom Garlic and Spices:
- Once beef’s brown, stir in garlic, red pepper, Italian herbs, salt and black pepper. Mix well for about a minute so everything smells fantastic.
- Brown Up the Beef:
- First up, heat your big skillet on medium-high. Toss in the ground beef and chop it up while cooking. Stir it around 3 to 5 minutes until there’s no pink left and everything’s browned. That’s your flavor base right there.
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Good to Remember
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and are awesome for meal prepping
- Kids dig the cheesy, creamy rice every time
- Loads you up on protein and calcium from beef plus cheese
At the table, I always pile on a little more parmesan and swirl it in. It gives that stretchy cheese pull I loved as a kid when my folks made pasta with all the cheese on top.
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Keeping It Fresh
After it cools, stick leftovers in a tightly closed container in the fridge. They’ll be good for three days. If you’re reheating, just toss it back in a pan or the microwave with a little water or broth to keep things nice and creamy. You can freeze some for up to two months for a speedy meal down the road.
Swap Options
No sun dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers or even some fresh cherry tomatoes work well. Want to lighten it up? Use turkey or ground chicken instead. Brown rice is just fine, but it does take longer to soften up and may need extra liquid. Tweak the spices however your crowd likes it.
How to Dish It Up
Scoop it right from the pan to the table for a chill, family meal. Take it up a notch with a crisp green salad and some toasty bread. Feeling extra? Drizzle on more cream or top with crunchy pine nuts. A side of sautéed greens makes it all sing.
Story Behind It
This meal brings a big warm hug like old school Italian American skillet classics. Creamy cheese and tangy tomatoes give you risotto vibes, but everything’s much easier. Folks say the Marry Me name comes from the fact that these smells alone could win over anyone at dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the beef for another meat?
Totally! Try ground chicken or turkey, but keep in mind the taste will change a bit. You might want to add a little more seasoning to make up for it.
- → What if I want it less spicy?
You can just skip the red pepper flakes or use less, and everything else stays the same.
- → Will brown rice work here?
Brown rice is fine, but leave it cooking longer and pour in some extra broth to keep things soft.
- → Got suggestions for what goes with this?
Try steamed veggies, a green salad, or some crispy garlic bread on the side for extra crunch and freshness.
- → Can I get this ready ahead?
Sure can! Pop any leftovers in a container and warm them on the stove or in the microwave when you're hungry.
- → Are sun-dried tomatoes a must?
If you don't have any, fresh diced tomatoes are a good swap, or just leave them out if you want a milder dish.