Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl is a comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef, fragrant garlic, and cheesy rice, it delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. It’s a satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 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, chopped (optional, about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Step 5: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the broth and is tender.
6. Step 6: While the rice cooks, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the Parmesan, cheddar, and milk until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
7. Step 7: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef and rice mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
8. Step 8: Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes more to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes when cooking the beef.
• Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Use low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative to reduce richness while keeping creaminess.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can substitute Italian seasoning for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the mixture seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the broth and simmer time accordingly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 137 reviews

This Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl is a comforting one-pan meal combining savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, tender rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy & Butter

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp butter

Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Onion: 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 and translucent.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart while cooking, browning it until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Garlic Time: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Mix in Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
5. Simmer Away: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
6. Create Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the Parmesan, cheddar cheese, and milk, and cook while stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
7. Blend Everything Together: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef and rice mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
8. Final Touch: Cook uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use low-fat milk or a milk alternative to reduce fat content in the cheese sauce.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
• Make sure to keep an eye on the rice while simmering to prevent sticking or burning.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: garlic butter beef bowl, ground beef recipe, creamy beef and rice, one skillet meal, easy dinner