Introduction

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a cozy, cheesy casserole that combines savory ground beef with creamy garlic butter rice and layers of melted cheddar and mozzarella. It’s a comforting one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you need a satisfying, flavorful dish.

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. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until fully browned and 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. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice becomes 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. Layer the cooked ground beef over the rice, distributing it evenly.
Step 4: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the surface completely for a perfect cheese melt.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For extra color, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Scoop deep to enjoy all the layered flavors together.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner substitute for ground beef.
For extra veggies, add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef layer.
Swap out white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
To boost garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the butter.

Storage

Store 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 until hot. The cheese may firm up when chilled but will melt nicely upon reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I serve with this dish?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement this rich casserole nicely, balancing the hearty flavors.

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

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4.5 from 123 reviews

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting layered casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy garlic butter rice, and a gooey blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses baked to golden perfection. This easy one-dish meal combines rich flavors and textures, making it a perfect hearty dinner for the whole family.

Author: Marco
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

Meat

1 lb ground beef

Rice Mixture

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

Cheese

1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings

1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef by breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
Prepare Garlic Butter Rice: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in cooked rice, beef broth, and heavy cream, combining well to coat the rice in the garlic butter mixture. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice becomes 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. Evenly layer the cooked ground beef over the rice. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the beef, then cover with shredded mozzarella cheese for a luscious cheesy topping.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For a more browned and crispy cheese crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot, scooping deeply to enjoy all the creamy, cheesy, and beefy layers together.

Notes

You can substitute white rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef adds a nice subtle heat if desired.
Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; sauté until fragrant only.

Keywords: beef casserole, garlic butter rice, cheesy beef bowl, layered beef rice bake, comfort food casserole