There’s nothing quite like transforming a special-occasion cut of beef into a comforting and crave-worthy dinner everyone will be excited about. These Hearty Prime Rib Garlic Butter Rice Bowls are the perfect example of how leftovers can become a brand-new meal packed with irresistible flavor. Tender slices of juicy prime rib sit atop warm, buttery garlic rice along with your choice of simple add-ins like sautéed vegetables or fresh toppings. It’s a dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet incredibly easy to assemble at home.
Whether you’re seeking the ideal dinner after a holiday feast or looking for a creative way to repurpose a delicious cut of beef, this recipe brings versatility and satisfaction to the table. With bold seasoning, savory butter, and fluffy rice as the foundation, every bite is hearty, comforting, and flavorful. Serve these bowls for a cozy family dinner or a laid-back weekend meal — they are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Prime Rib Rice Bowls
Leftover prime rib doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but with this dish, you’ll want to cook extra just to enjoy these bowls afterward. Here’s why this recipe truly shines:
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A great way to use leftover prime rib
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Rich garlic butter-infused rice creates the perfect base
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Quick to prepare for busy weeknights
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Loved by both adults and kids
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Easy to customize with vegetables or sauces
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Comfort food with a gourmet twist
What Are Prime Rib Rice Bowls?
A rice bowl is a simple, satisfying dish that layers tender protein with seasoned rice and toppings. This version focuses on prime rib — a luxurious and flavorful cut of beef — paired with a buttery garlic rice that brings rich, deep, savory notes to every bite. The final result is hearty, well-balanced, and comforting.
With so many ways to elevate or simplify this recipe depending on what you have on hand, the bowls are endlessly customizable while still maintaining their core deliciousness.
Ingredients
Give leftover prime rib a brand-new life using pantry staples and everyday fridge items. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Rice Bowls:
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2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain white rice (freshly made or reheated leftovers)
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2–3 cups leftover prime rib, thinly sliced or diced
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon soy sauce (or salt to taste)
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Toppings & Add-Ins:
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Steamed broccoli or green beans
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Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions
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Chopped scallions
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Sesame seeds
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Fresh cilantro or parsley
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Spicy mayo, sriracha, or creamy garlic sauce
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Pickled vegetables for tang
Directions
Follow these simple steps to assemble your perfect prime rib rice bowl:
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Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil.
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Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute (do not burn).
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Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat each grain with the garlic butter.
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Season with soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well.
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Continue to cook for 3–5 minutes until the rice becomes hot and slightly crisped in spots.
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Transfer the garlic butter rice to serving bowls.
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Add sliced leftover prime rib into the skillet and heat gently for 2–3 minutes just until warmed through (avoid overheating so the meat remains tender).
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Arrange the warmed prime rib on top of the rice.
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Add your favorite toppings such as vegetables, herbs, sauces, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
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Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal.
Tips for the Best Prime Rib Rice Bowls
Here’s how to ensure restaurant-quality results:
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Do not overheat the prime rib: Too much heat can make it tough.
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Use freshly cooked rice if you want a fluffy base or day-old rice for a crispier texture.
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Butter matters: High-quality butter makes the garlic flavor richer.
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Taste and adjust seasoning based on your preferences.
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Cut the beef thinly for more tenderness in every bite.
These small details can make a big difference in both flavor and experience.
How to Customize Your Bowls
One of the best things about rice bowls is how easily they can be personalized. Here are some creative ways to switch things up:
Choose Your Veggies
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Roasted asparagus
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Honey-glazed carrots
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Crisp cucumber slices
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Fresh avocado
Switch Up the Base
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Brown rice for added fiber
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Garlic-butter cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
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Cilantro-lime rice for freshness
Add Sauces for Flair
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Creamy garlic mayo
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Peppercorn aioli
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Teriyaki glaze
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Zesty chimichurri
Every version feels new and exciting without adding much extra time to the process.
What to Serve with Prime Rib Rice Bowls
This recipe is already a complete meal, but you can make it part of a larger dinner spread:
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Crispy green salad
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Warm dinner rolls
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Egg drop soup or a simple broth-based soup
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Roasted vegetable medley
These sides complement the rich flavors of the beef and rice without overpowering them.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store the components separately if possible:
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Rice: 3–4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator
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Prime rib: Up to 3 days, reheated only once for best quality
Reheating
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Warm rice in a skillet with a splash of water or butter
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Gently rewarm prime rib on low heat or in the microwave at 50% power
Freezing
Rice freezes well for up to 2 months. Prime rib can be frozen, but texture may change slightly when reheated.
Keeping ingredients prepped ensures you can whip up another rice bowl in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of beef?
Yes. Leftover steak, roast beef, or grilled beef tips also work beautifully with this recipe. Simply slice thinly and warm gently as directed.
Do I have to use jasmine rice?
Not at all. Any rice variety will do. Long-grain white rice is classic, but brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrition. Even basmati or rice blends are great choices.
Can I prepare this dish with fresh prime rib instead of leftovers?
Absolutely. If you’re preparing prime rib fresh, simply allow slices to rest before cutting and placing on the rice bowls. This recipe also works great using pre-sliced roast beef from the deli, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How do I keep the garlic rice from sticking to the pan?
Be sure your pan is preheated before adding the butter and rice. A drizzle of olive oil adds an extra layer of protection against sticking. Nonstick pans make the process even easier.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
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Calories: 610
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Protein: 34g
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Fat: 32g
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Carbohydrates: 44g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 720mg
Nutritional values will vary depending on specific ingredients and toppings used.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
These bowls are incredibly convenient and designed to simplify your evening routine:
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Done in 20 minutes if rice is prepped
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Flexible with ingredients already on hand
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Delicious enough to satisfy picky eaters
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Balanced meal structure with grains + protein + vegetables
This makes it a perfect go-to dinner on nights when you need something fast yet still filling and wholesome.
How to Elevate This Dish for Special Occasions
Serve these bowls in a build-your-own style buffet for guests:
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Offer different toppings like sautéed mushrooms, crispy onions, or roasted peppers
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Provide sauce options on the side
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Add garnishes like scallions and fresh herbs for a pop of color
Customization ensures everyone gets the combination they love while still enjoying the star ingredients: prime rib and garlic butter rice.
Serving Ideas for Different Diet Preferences
Supporting various diet needs at the same table is easy with rice bowls:
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Gluten-Free: Ensure sauces used are certified gluten-free
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Low-Carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice
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Higher-Veggie: Double the vegetables and reduce rice
This flexibility helps make the recipe a reliable favorite when cooking for a crowd.
Recipe Summary
These Hearty Prime Rib Garlic Butter Rice Bowls transform leftover prime rib into a truly exceptional dinner experience. With butter-infused rice, tender beef, and endless topping choices, each bowl offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. This dish proves that leftovers can be magical, and that a simple rice-based meal can still feel luxurious.
Perfect for cozy winter evenings, relaxed family dinners, or any night you want a little comfort with big flavor. With minimal prep and maximum enjoyment, this recipe is one you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover prime rib, this is the recipe to save and share. It’s easy, versatile, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The garlic butter rice alone is unforgettable, and when paired with tender slices of beef, it becomes a meal that feels comforting and indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Make it once, and you’ll understand why this dish has quickly become a dinner favorite. Give your leftovers a second chance to shine in the most delicious way.
Print
Hearty Prime Rib Garlic Butter Rice Bowls for Dinner
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This comforting and flavorful meal is the perfect way to transform leftover prime rib into a delicious new dinner. Tender beef, buttery garlic rice, and your favorite toppings come together to create a hearty bowl that feels satisfying and special without much effort. It’s a quick and cozy option for busy evenings or when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain white rice
2–3 cups leftover prime rib, thinly sliced or diced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or salt to taste)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Optional Toppings & Add-Ins:
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions
Chopped scallions
Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Spicy mayo, sriracha, or creamy garlic sauce
Pickled vegetables
Instructions
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Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add butter along with olive oil.
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Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to coat with the garlic butter.
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Season with soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix and cook for 3–5 minutes until heated through.
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Transfer the garlic butter rice to serving bowls.
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Add the sliced prime rib to the skillet and warm gently for 2–3 minutes to avoid overcooking the meat.
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Place the warmed prime rib over the rice.
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Add your desired toppings such as vegetables, herbs, or sauces.
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Serve immediately and enjoy a hearty, satisfying bowl.
Notes
Use freshly cooked rice for fluffy texture, or day-old rice for a slightly crispy finish. Heat the prime rib gently to keep it tender. Customize your bowls with different vegetables or sauces for a new flavor every time. This recipe is perfect for giving leftover prime rib a delicious new life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes



