Introduction

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting and cheesy casserole that combines savory ground beef, creamy garlic butter rice, and a luscious blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. It’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Get ready for a satisfying meal with rich flavors and a delightful cheese pull!

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

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 as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until no pink remains, 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. Mix well to coat the rice evenly and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is 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 of the dish. Layer the cooked ground beef over the rice, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, then top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the surface completely for a perfect cheesy crust.
Step 5: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For extra color, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Scoop generously to enjoy all the layers in every bite.

Tips & Variations

Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add diced onions or bell peppers to the beef while browning for extra texture and flavor.
Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Use a blend of cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

Can I freeze the Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 105 reviews

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting layered casserole featuring savory browned ground beef, creamy garlic butter rice, and a generous topping of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a rich, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Layer

1 lb ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Garlic Butter Rice

2 cups cooked white rice
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream

Cheese Topping

1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
Prepare Garlic Butter Rice: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in cooked white rice, beef broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and rice turns creamy.
Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the creamy garlic butter rice evenly across the bottom. Layer the cooked ground beef evenly over the rice. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the beef, then cover with shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey finish.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve a deeper golden crust—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve hot, scooping deep to enjoy all the delicious layers together.

Notes

Use freshly minced garlic for best flavor in the garlic butter rice.
Drain excess fat from beef well to prevent a greasy casserole.
For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cheeses and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat covered to maintain moisture.
For added vegetables, consider mixing in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef layer.

Keywords: beef casserole, garlic butter rice, cheesy beef bake, ground beef recipe, comfort food, baked rice dish, easy dinner recipe