When you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that’s bursting with rich, savory flavors, the Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is the answer. Tender strips of beef are seared until golden, then tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce and served over a base of fluffy rice or low-carb cauliflower rice. With fresh vegetables and customizable toppings, this dish is as balanced as it is indulgent.
It’s the perfect recipe for weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter sauce is a game changer—simple to make, yet it coats the beef with a luxurious flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this beef bowl is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Full of flavor – Garlic butter makes everything better.
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Quick & easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less.
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Customizable – Swap the grain, change the veggies, or adjust the heat.
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One-bowl meal – Protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish.
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Meal prep friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For 4 servings:
For the Beef
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1 ½ lbs (680 g) sirloin steak, flank steak, or ribeye, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Bowl Base & Toppings
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2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice)
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1 cup steamed or sautéed broccoli
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1 cup sautéed zucchini or bell peppers
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Sliced green onions (optional)
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Sesame seeds (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
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Place sliced beef in a bowl.
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Add olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
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Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while prepping the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
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Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but still tender.
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Transfer beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
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Add butter and let it melt.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not burn).
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Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce
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Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
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Toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
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Divide rice between bowls.
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Top with garlic butter beef.
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Add vegetables of choice.
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Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for the Best Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl
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Thinly slice beef – Cooks faster and stays tender.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan – This ensures a good sear.
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Use fresh garlic – It gives the best flavor.
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Prep veggies ahead – Makes the recipe even faster on busy nights.
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Adjust seasoning – Add more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.
Flavor Variations
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Spicy kick – Add sriracha or chili paste to the garlic butter.
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Asian-inspired – Use sesame oil and garnish with nori strips.
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Italian twist – Add Italian herbs and serve over pasta instead of rice.
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Low-carb version – Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Serving Suggestions
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With a side salad – A crisp cucumber salad pairs well.
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With miso soup – For a Japanese-inspired meal.
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With crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up extra garlic butter sauce.
Storing and Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Best without vegetables; freeze beef and sauce for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 480
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Protein: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 24g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 2g
Values will vary depending on the base and vegetables used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground beef instead of sliced steak?
Yes—just cook it until browned, then stir in the garlic butter sauce.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely—store components separately and combine before reheating.
4. What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Sirloin is a great balance of tenderness and affordability, but ribeye offers richer flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is comfort food made simple—tender beef, rich garlic butter sauce, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables all in one satisfying dish. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet flavorful enough for a weekend treat.
With its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
PrintBeefy Garlic Butter Bowl: A Savory Comfort Meal in One Dish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
The Beefy Garlic Butter Bowl is a rich, savory, and satisfying meal that combines juicy ground beef with golden garlic butter, fluffy rice or cauliflower rice, and your choice of fresh or roasted veggies. It’s a high-protein, low-fuss dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something bold and comforting—all in one bowl.
Ingredients
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Cook the rice or base:
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Prepare your rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Keep warm.
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Brown the beef:
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef (and oil if needed).
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Cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Make it garlicky and buttery:
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Reduce heat to medium. Push beef to one side of the skillet.
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Add butter and minced garlic to the empty side. Sauté garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
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Mix garlic and butter into the beef. Stir in soy sauce, Worcestershire, black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
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Assemble the bowls:
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Divide rice among 4 bowls.
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Top with garlic butter beef, broccoli, carrot, and cucumber or greens.
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Add a soft-boiled or fried egg on top if desired.
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Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor.
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes