Dinner

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

Byreem everly January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

Introduction

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting, cheesy casserole that combines savory ground beef with creamy garlic butter rice. It’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners and sure to please a crowd.

A white bowl filled with a cheesy rice dish that has multiple layers, starting with a base of creamy white rice mixed with small chunks of brown ground meat, topped with gooey melted cheese in bright yellow and creamy white colors that stretches as a spoon lifts a portion from the bowl; the melted cheese layer is slightly browned and sprinkled with small green herb bits, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups cooked white rice
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until fully browned with no pink remaining, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the cooked rice, beef broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice turns creamy.
Step 3: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the creamy garlic butter rice evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Layer the cooked ground beef evenly over the rice. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, then top with shredded mozzarella for a delicious cheese pull.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown. For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, scooping through all layers and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein alternative.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef while cooking for added flavor and texture.
Swap cheddar and mozzarella for pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a spicy twist.
For a richer dish, stir a little cream cheese into the rice mixture before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If baking again, cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy layered dish featuring three distinct layers: the bottom layer is soft white rice mixed with small chunks of browned ground meat, the middle layer is thick, melted white cheese that stretches as a spoon lifts a portion, and the top layer is a golden-yellow melted cheese sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the garlic butter mixture, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. Adjust seasonings as needed to keep the savory flavor.

reem everly