KETO GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE

Savor the incredible blend of flavors in this mouthwatering ground beef casserole, generously adorned with layers of melted cheese. Crafted with the principles of keto and low-carb in mind, it caters to your dietary preferences without compromising on taste.

With its effortless preparation, it's undoubtedly one of my top recommendations for a hassle-free ground beef dish that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknight dinners.

When I find myself unsure about dinner options, my go-to choice is this delightful casserole. Preparing it is incredibly simple! Start by browning ground beef, then incorporate cream cheese and spices.

Finally, top it off with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar before baking it to perfection.

Not only is this casserole a delectable treat, but it also aligns with the keto and low-carb diets. If you're conscious of your calorie intake, rest assured that it's a low-calorie option too. Furthermore, leftovers are equally delightful, allowing you to amplify the recipe by doubling the ingredients if desired.

Ingredients

When preparing this delicious casserole, you'll only require a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in enhancing the flavors.

To ensure precision in your culinary creation, refer to the recipe card below for exact measurements. Let's take a closer look at the components you'll need to assemble this mouthwatering dish:

1. Ground beef: Opt for extra-lean ground beef to maintain a healthier profile for this recipe. Although lean ground beef is typically my preference, in this particular case, I recommend using extra lean. The excess fat can be easily drained, and the addition of other creamy ingredients compensates for any potential loss of flavor.
2. Salt and pepper: For optimal seasoning, I suggest utilizing fine sea salt. However, if you prefer the texture and taste of coarse kosher salt, feel free to adjust the quantity accordingly to accommodate your preference.
3. Spices: To infuse the casserole with a burst of aromatic goodness, include fresh garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper. It is crucial to ensure that your spices are fresh, as using stale ones may negatively impact the overall dish.
4. Cream cheese: While I personally opt for reduced-fat cream cheese to maintain a lighter option, feel free to embrace the richness of full-fat cream cheese if it aligns with your taste preferences. The cream cheese contributes to the luscious texture and adds a delightful creaminess to the casserole.
5. Shredded cheddar: Elevate the flavor profile of your casserole by selecting extra-sharp cheddar. Its robust and pronounced taste will impart a delightful tanginess that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
6. Parsley: Primarily utilized as a garnish, parsley not only adds an aesthetically pleasing touch but also imparts a subtle layer of flavor to the casserole. Its presence elevates the overall taste experience of the dish.

Instructions

Let's dive into the detailed process:

Step 1: Begin by skillfully browning the ground beef in a skillet, generously seasoning it with an array of aromatic spices. The sizzling beef releases its savory aroma, tantalizing your senses and setting the stage for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Once the beef reaches a beautiful golden hue, introduce a delightful combination of creamy cream cheese and tantalizingly shredded cheddar into the skillet. As the cheeses meld with the beef, an irresistible creaminess infuses the dish, promising a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 3: Transfer the heavenly mixture to a suitable casserole dish, ensuring every last bit of the delectable beef and cheese amalgamation finds its place. To enhance the visual appeal and intensify the cheese experience, sprinkle a modest amount of additional cheese atop the casserole.

Step 4: Now, it's time for the oven to work its magic. Slide the casserole dish into its warm embrace, allowing the gentle heat to gradually melt the cheese to perfection.

The anticipation builds as the cheese slowly transforms into a velvety, golden blanket that envelops the succulent ground beef, creating a mesmerizing sight that will leave your taste buds in eager anticipation.

Step 5: Once the cheese has achieved its desired melty state, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish the dish with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh parsley, adding a touch of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that complements the rich flavors.

Step 6: Finally, it's time to indulge in the fruits of your labor. Serve the captivating ground beef casserole with pride, savoring each mouthful as the creamy, cheese-infused beef tantalizes your taste buds.

Expert Tip

During the initial browning process of the ground beef, it is perfectly acceptable for it to retain a slight pink hue. This is because the beef will undergo further cooking in the oven, ensuring its complete doneness.

By allowing the beef to maintain a hint of pinkness in the initial stage, it helps preserve its juiciness and tenderness throughout the entire cooking process.

Recipe Variations

I absolutely adore this recipe just the way it is, and I usually prepare it following the original instructions. However, if you're interested in adding a little twist to the basic recipe, I have a few suggestions for you:

I deliberately exclude chopped onions from this recipe, as the onion powder adds a delightful flavor, and it saves you the hassle of chopping an onion. But if you're up for it, feel free to incorporate a medium-sized chopped onion while browning the beef! Perhaps you're more adventurous than I am. 😉

Another delightful variation is to incorporate some hot sauce into the beef mixture.

Additionally, you can experiment with additional spices such as smoked paprika and chili powder.

If you're in the mood for something different, Provolone cheese makes an excellent substitute for the cheddar called for in this recipe.

Storage Instructions

This casserole creates delicious leftovers that are even more flavorful when enjoyed the following day. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator, placed in an airtight container, for up to three days.

When reheating the leftovers, I recommend using the microwave and covering the dish. Set the power to 50% to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can freeze individual servings if desired. These servings can be frozen for a period of three months and easily reheated in the microwave.

Recipe Card