Dinner

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

ByZoe Lane February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Introduction

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting, cheesy casserole layered with savory ground beef, creamy garlic butter rice, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

A white bowl filled with a layered dish starting with a base of creamy white rice mixed with browned ground meat. The top layer is richly covered in melted cheese, mostly bright yellow cheddar with some white cheese, stretching as a spoon lifts a portion. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the cheese layer, adding a touch of color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. 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. 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 minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in cooked rice, beef broth, and heavy cream. 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 garlic butter rice evenly on the bottom. Layer the cooked ground beef over the rice, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese followed by mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 4: 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 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, making sure to scoop all layers for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter rice for a subtle kick.
Top with crispy fried onions before baking to add crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layered cheesy rice dish. The bottom layer is white rice mixed with small pieces of cooked ground meat, with a slightly chunky texture. The middle layer is melted white cheese that stretches as a silver spoon lifts a portion, creating long strings of cheese. On top, there is a bright yellow, melted cheese layer with a shiny, smooth texture, sprinkled with small pieces of green herbs for color contrast. The bowl is placed 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 prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative, though the dish may be slightly less creamy.

Zoe Lane