Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl Recipe
Introduction
This Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender ground beef, flavorful garlic, and creamy cheese sauce over perfectly cooked rice. It’s simple to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
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, breaking it apart, until it changes color. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. 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.
- Step 6: While the rice cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add Parmesan, cheddar, and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Step 7: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef and rice mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Step 8: Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 more minutes to let flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded yields a richer, creamier sauce.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to boost nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly by increasing the broth and simmering until the rice is tender.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but the cheese sauce may separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze the beef and rice mixture separately from the cheese sauce and combine when reheating.
PrintCozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl Recipe
This Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, tender long-grain white rice, and a creamy blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, and finished with fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for an easy yet satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small diced onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp butter (divided: 1 tbsp for cooking onions and beef, 2 tbsp for cheese sauce)
Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté onions: 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.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef changes color and is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
- Add rice and broth: Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer rice and beef: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the broth and is tender.
- Prepare cheese sauce: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan. Cook gently, stirring continuously until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Combine cheese sauce: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and rice mixture. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors and coat the rice evenly.
- Final simmer and garnish: Cook uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese whenever possible for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk slightly.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds freshness and color to the dish.
Keywords: garlic butter beef bowl, cheesy beef rice bowl, one skillet dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe, cheesy rice bowl

