Introduction

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for busy weeknights. With layers of savory ground beef, creamy garlic butter rice, and melted cheddar and mozzarella, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Beefy Garlic Butter Cheese 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 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, mixing well to coat the rice evenly. Let it 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 creamy garlic butter rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. Layer the cooked ground beef over the rice, distributing it evenly.
Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, then top with the mozzarella, making sure to cover evenly for a perfect cheese pull.
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 the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Scoop deep to enjoy all layers in each bite.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover rice for best texture and to save time.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add finely chopped onions or bell peppers with the garlic for extra flavor.
Mix in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. The cheese may firm up, but it’ll still be delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute cooked brown rice for white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice has a firmer texture and takes longer to cook, so prepare it in advance to ensure it becomes creamy in the dish.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free beef broth and check any store-bought seasoning blends to avoid hidden gluten.

Beefy Garlic Butter Cheese Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting layered casserole featuring savory browned ground beef, creamy garlic butter rice, and a melty blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep, delivering a rich and cheesy bowl that’s easy to make and deeply satisfying.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb ground beef

Rice Mixture

2 cups cooked white rice
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Toppings

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. 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 aside.
Prepare Garlic Butter Rice: In a large saucepan, melt 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 liquid is mostly absorbed and rice is creamy, stirring occasionally.
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 evenly over the rice. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, then cover with mozzarella cheese for a cheesy top layer.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For extra color, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve hot, scooping deep to enjoy all layers with every bite.

Notes

Use freshly cooked rice for best texture; day-old rice can be too dry.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper depending on your beef broth’s saltiness.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though cream adds richness.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick.
This dish keeps well refrigerated and reheats nicely, making it great for leftovers.

Keywords: beef casserole, garlic butter rice, cheesy beef bake, comfort food, easy dinner