Introduction

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting, cheesy casserole that combines savory ground beef with creamy garlic butter rice. Topped with a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Beefy Garlic Butter Rice Casserole 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 as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until fully browned with no pink remaining, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any 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 the cooked rice, beef broth, and heavy cream, mixing well to coat the rice evenly. Let it 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 of the dish. Layer the cooked ground beef evenly over the rice. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese to cover the surface completely.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven 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 prevent burning.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot, scooping deep to enjoy all the layers in every bite.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, stir in some chopped sautéed onions or bell peppers with the ground beef.
Use brown rice instead of white rice for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
Swap out cheddar and mozzarella for pepper jack or gouda to change the cheese profile.
Make it a one-pan meal by cooking the rice directly with the ground beef and broth—just increase the liquid accordingly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or cream when reheating can help maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter option, though the flavor will be milder.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake as directed before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Beefy Garlic Butter Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 129 reviews

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting layered casserole featuring savory browned ground beef, creamy garlic butter rice, and a generous topping of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures, perfect for a satisfying family meal.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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 a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Prepare Garlic Butter Rice: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the cooked white rice, beef broth, and heavy cream. Combine thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until most of the liquid is 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 on the bottom of the dish. Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the rice layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef, followed by the mozzarella cheese, ensuring full coverage to achieve a perfect cheese pull.
Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Optionally, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to enhance the cheese’s color, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for added color and freshness. Serve hot, scooping deeply to enjoy all layers of rice, beef, and gooey cheese.

Notes

Drain excess fat from the browned beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the garlic butter rice.
If preferred, substitute white rice with brown rice for a healthier alternative, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Broil carefully to avoid burning the cheese layer.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: beef casserole, garlic butter rice, cheesy beef bake, comfort food, ground beef recipes, baked rice dish, family dinner