Dinner

Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl Recipe

ByMarina Montclair January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Introduction

Give this quick and tasty creamy beef and rice dish a try! Cooked entirely in one pan, the Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is full of ground beef, tender rice, and a cheesy cheddar Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for family meals or whenever you’re craving comforting food with a garlicky butter kick.

The dish is a close-up view of a cheesy baked rice with ground beef topping. The bottom layer is creamy white rice, soft and slightly sticky. The second layer consists of browned, crumbled ground beef pieces spread evenly over the rice. On top, there's a thick layer of melted cheese, blending white and orange colors, with a shiny, gooey texture. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled lightly across the surface. The dish is served in a round black pan, placed on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 lb ground beef
1 small diced onion
4 minced garlic cloves
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups low sodium beef broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
3 tbsp butter
Fresh parsley (optional), 2 tablespoons chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 4: Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
Step 6: While the rice cooks, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the milk, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and rice mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 8: Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or spinach at the end of cooking for extra veggies.
To add a little heat, mix red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
If your skillet doesn’t have a tight-fitting lid, cover it with foil while simmering the rice.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to keep the dish creamy. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave at 70% power in short bursts, stirring in between.