Description

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting, cheesy casserole featuring layers of savory browned ground beef, creamy garlic butter rice, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish is perfect for an easy family dinner with its delightful blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

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

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 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 fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
Prepare Garlic Butter Rice: 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.
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 on top of the rice, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef. Finish with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese for a perfect cheese pull.
Bake to Perfection: Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra crusty top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness. Serve hot, ensuring you scoop all the layers for a delicious bite every time.

Notes

You can use brown rice or cauliflower rice as a substitution for a healthier option, adjusting cooking liquids accordingly.
Adding some chopped onions or bell peppers with the garlic can enhance flavor and texture.
To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños while sautéing the garlic.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or reduce the cheese amounts slightly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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