Name: Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred); 1 small onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 3 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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The Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl is the kind of comfort food I keep in my back pocket for hectic evenings or when my family needs something hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. With juicy ground beef, tender rice, and a rich cheddar-Parmesan sauce, it’s a one-skillet dinner that checks every box—easy to cook, even easier to clean up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I reach for this recipe when I want a dish that’s satisfying, cozy, and ready in under an hour. It’s made entirely in one pan, making cleanup a breeze, and it’s loaded with comforting flavors like garlic butter, melty cheese, and savory beef. The cheesy sauce really ties everything together, and even my pickiest eaters can’t get enough of it. Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)
1 small onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

I melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then I sauté the diced onion for about 3–4 minutes until it softens and begins to color.
I add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until there’s no pink left—about 5–7 minutes. If needed, I drain off excess fat, keeping just a bit for flavor.
I stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant.
I add the uncooked rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I stir well to make sure the rice is fully submerged and nothing’s stuck to the pan.
I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, I melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. I add the milk, cheddar, and Parmesan, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Once the rice is ready, I pour the cheese sauce into the skillet and stir everything together until well combined.
I let it cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes more to thicken slightly. Finally, I sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up a bit.
To add veggies, I mix in frozen peas or spinach at the end of cooking.
For a spicy version, I stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce or drizzle a bit of hot sauce on top before serving.
I’ve also tried this with brown rice, just adjusting the broth and cook time for a heartier texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store: I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: When reheating, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave at 70% power in short bursts.
Freeze: This dish can be frozen, though the cheese sauce may separate slightly on thawing. Stirring well while reheating helps bring it back together.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of raw?

Absolutely. I reduce the beef broth to about 1 cup and add the cooked rice in after browning the beef. Then I stir in the cheese sauce and simmer briefly.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

I prefer freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor, but pre-shredded can work in a pinch. Just be aware it might not melt as smoothly.

How do I make it vegetarian?

I swap the beef for cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?

I’ve substituted it with more cheddar or a touch of Gruyère. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk like oat or almond. The texture will differ, but it still works as a creamy rice bowl.

Conclusion

This Cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bowl has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish hits the spot every time. And best of all, cleanup is as simple as the recipe itself.