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Snuggle up with this all-in-one Marry Me Beef, where juicy ground beef, soft creamy rice, sun dried tomatoes, and that punchy parmesan cheese party together in one pan. When I need cozy vibes and minimal cleanup on a weeknight, this is my family's favorite dinner.
After making this for an anniversary on a tough Monday, it turned into my go-to flavor bomb for tired days when I can't fuss in the kitchen but still want something awesome.
Delicious Ingredients
- Fresh basil, chopped: Totally optional! If you have it, toss some on for that pop of fresh, herby smell
- Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated works best for gooeyness and that salty tang Don't go for pre-shredded if you can help it
- Heavy cream: Just a dab brings a velvety finish and ties everything together
- Long grain white rice: This soaks up all those saucy, beefy juices Choose your favorite brand for even cooking
- Sun dried tomatoes: A rich, tangy punch here! Use oil-packed, drained well
- Beef broth: Choose the low salt stuff if you want more control Homemade is great, but store bought’s fine too
- Salt and black pepper, freshly ground: Adjust these just the way you like Go for freshly cracked pepper if you want max flavor
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For that sneaky heat; add more or less to taste
- Italian seasoning: This brings that classic herby backbone Switch it up with your go-to blend
- Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred works Dried garlic keeps prep fast
- Laura’s Lean ground beef: Use lean beef to keep it lighter and still tasty Go for freshly ground if you can get it
Simple Step Guide
- Serve n’ Sprinkle:
- Spoon out hot scoops and give each plate a finishing dust of basil and extra parmesan for a hit of brightness
- Pour and Scrape:
- Add the beef broth to the pan, scraping up the brown bits for max flavor Then dial down the heat and bring it all to a soft simmer
- Stir in Dairy Joy:
- With the lid off, swirl in cream and parmesan Stir until the cheese's all melty and everything gets nice and creamy Taste, then fix up the seasoning if you think it needs it
- Cover to Cook:
- Pop a lid on and lower the burner Let it gently bubble for about twenty minutes, stirring it every few so the rice doesn’t stick When the rice feels tender and most liquid’s gone, you’re golden
- Add Tomatoes and Rice:
- Throw in the rice and sun dried tomatoes Give it all a good mix Toast for about half a minute to let the rice smell just a little nutty—but don’t brown it
- Sizzle Aromatics:
- Toss in garlic, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper Stir around well for about a minute until it smells like an herb garden in your kitchen
- Brown Your Beef:
- Heat a big skillet over medium-high, then drop in the beef Break it up and cook for three to five minutes 'til it's browned—no pink should be left This is your flavor base
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Good to Know
- Keeps well in the fridge and is awesome for prepping ahead
- Kiddos can't get enough of the cheesy rice
- Packed with calcium from all that cheese and plenty of protein from the beef
I always keep more parm near the table and love to stir in an extra heap Sends me straight back to childhood dinners when cheese was basically its own food group
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Saving and Storing
Let leftovers cool, pop 'em in a sealed container, and stick them in your fridge Stays good for up to three days Warm it back up slowly on the stove or in the microwave, with a little extra broth or water so it stays creamy Or freeze a portion or two for those nights you don’t want to cook—it’ll last a couple months
Swaps to Try
If you’re out of sun dried tomatoes, swap in roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes for a juicy twist Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want it lighter Brown rice totally flies, but keep in mind you’ll need a bit more time and maybe a splash more liquid Just season it the way your crew likes
How to Serve
Dish it out right from the pan for a chill dinner Add a bright green salad and some warm bread if you want to dress it up Feeling fancy? Drizzle a little cream on top or throw on pine nuts for crunch Sautéed spinach or roasted veg sides turn this meal into something special
Why Folks Love It
This is pure comfort, Italian American style Creamy cheese and those savory tomatoes give you the feel of risotto, but it's fast and easy The Marry Me name? Some say it's because the smell alone would win over anyone who walks through the door
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Certainly, try ground chicken or turkey instead. Just know the flavor will change a bit, so adjust what you add to make it taste how you like.
- → How do I make this dish less spicy?
Just cut back or leave out the red pepper flakes, and everything else can stay the same for a gentle flavor.
- → Is it possible to use brown rice?
Yes, but you'll need more broth and a longer cook time since brown rice takes extra effort to soften up.
- → What can I serve alongside this meal?
It goes really well with a simple salad, some garlic bread, or quick-steamed veggies to round out dinner.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Of course. Pop any leftovers into a sealed container and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove when you're ready to eat.
- → Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
They give a sharp, tangy bite, but you can skip them or swap with diced fresh tomato for something lighter.