Dinner

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any family dinner. Layers of savory ground beef, creamy garlic butter rice, and melted cheese come together for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

A white bowl filled with a baked rice dish that has visible layers starting with a base of cooked white rice mixed with ground meat in a light brown sauce. The top layer is covered in melted cheese that is mostly bright yellow and orange with stretchy, gooey white cheese being lifted by a spoon. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled over the cheese, adding a touch of color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. The photo is close-up, showing texture in the rice, cheese, and meat, emphasizing the thick, melted cheese stretch. 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 as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any 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.
Step 3: Add the cooked rice, beef broth, and heavy cream to the saucepan. Stir well to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the garlic butter mixture. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice becomes creamy.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Layer the cooked ground beef evenly over the rice. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, then top with the mozzarella cheese, covering completely for a great cheese pull.
Step 6: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. For extra color, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness.
Step 8: Serve hot, scooping deep to enjoy all the rich layers. Enjoy that incredible cheese pull!

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the ground beef.
Use brown rice instead of white rice for extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Swap cheddar and mozzarella with pepper jack and Monterey jack for a different cheese flavor.
Make it a one-pan meal by cooking the rice in the beef broth directly with the beef, adjusting liquid as needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or water before reheating to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy rice dish mixed with browned ground meat, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese that stretches as a silver spoon lifts a portion. The top layer shows golden melted cheese with small green herb sprinkles. The rice is white and looks soft, mingling with the chunky brown meat beneath. The background and surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it fully before cooking to ensure it browns evenly and cooks through properly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.