Dinner

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Introduction

The Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting, cheesy casserole that combines savory ground beef, creamy garlic butter rice, and melted cheeses for a satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners, this dish brings rich flavors and a delightful texture to your table.

This image shows a white bowl filled with a baked dish consisting of three layers. The bottom layer is a creamy white rice mixed with pieces of cooked ground meat. The middle layer is thick melted white cheese stretching from the bowl to a spoon that lifts the food up. The top layer is melted bright yellow cheese sprinkled with small bits of chopped green herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the image focuses closely on the dish to show the gooey texture of the cheese and the mix of rice and meat. 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 while breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until fully browned, 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, stirring often, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is creamy.
Step 3: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the garlic butter rice evenly on the bottom of the dish. Layer the cooked ground beef over the rice, distributing it evenly.
Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese to cover fully.
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 avoid burning.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, scooping through all the layers to enjoy the full flavor and cheesy pull.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but expect a slightly less creamy texture.
Add diced green chilies or chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
For a richer flavor, mix a little grated Parmesan cheese into the rice before layering.
Leftover casserole can be topped with extra cheese before reheating for a fresh melt.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes. Add a few minutes uncovered at the end to refresh the cheese topping.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a three-layered cheesy dish is shown. The bottom layer holds soft, white creamy rice mixed with small pieces of cooked brown ground beef. Above it, a thick layer of melted yellow and white cheese stretches as a spoon lifts a portion, showing the gooey texture. Small green bits of herbs are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast. The bowl sits 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 make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake as directed when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe since it stays fluffy and absorbs the garlic butter sauce well. Leftover cooked rice from a previous meal works perfectly too.