Beefy Garlic Butter Rice Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting, cheesy casserole that pairs savory ground beef with creamy garlic butter rice and melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures perfect for a family dinner.
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 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. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until mostly absorbed and creamy.
- Step 3: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the creamy garlic butter rice evenly on the bottom. Layer the browned ground beef over the rice. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, then top with mozzarella cheese for a perfect cheesy finish.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For extra color, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Scoop deep to enjoy all the layers and the delicious cheese pull.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- Swap the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a whole grain option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and texture.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños while cooking the beef.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To prevent drying out, cover with foil while reheating in the oven.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of butter or half-and-half as a lighter alternative, though the dish will be less rich and creamy.
PrintBeefy Garlic Butter Rice Casserole Recipe
This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting and cheesy casserole that layers browned ground beef with creamy garlic butter rice and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a hearty dish perfect for family dinners, offering a delicious combination of savory, creamy, and cheesy flavors with a fresh parsley garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef Layer
- 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, chopped
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 about 6-8 minutes until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Rice: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add cooked white rice, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and 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 on the bottom of the dish. Distribute the cooked ground beef on top of the rice layer. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese for an indulgent cheesy topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Optionally, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve extra color, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for freshness and color. Serve hot, scooping deeply to enjoy all the delicious layers in each serving.
Notes
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice for a healthier option, but the cooking time for the rice might vary.
- If you prefer, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein alternative.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the beef while browning.
- Ensure the garlic is not browned when sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: beef casserole, garlic butter rice, cheesy beef bake, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy dinner
