Print

Beefy Garlic Butter Rice Casserole Recipe

4.8 from 284 reviews

This Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a comforting, layered casserole featuring savory browned ground beef, creamy garlic butter-infused rice, and a luscious blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and guaranteed to deliver a delicious, cheesy experience with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Layer

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

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

  1. Brown the Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Brown thoroughly, about 6-8 minutes, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  2. Prepare Garlic Butter Rice: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning. Stir in cooked rice, beef broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed and rice is creamy.
  3. 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. Layer the cooked ground beef over the rice. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese to cover completely.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. For extra color, broil for the last 2-3 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, scooping deep to enjoy all layers and the delicious cheese pull.

Notes

  • You can substitute white rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but cooking times may vary.
  • To reduce fat, use lean ground beef or ground turkey instead.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef while cooking.
  • Make sure to keep garlic from browning to avoid bitterness.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

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