Cheesy Keto Ground Beef Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
304 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Keto Ground Beef Casserole
Description
This casserole starts by browning lean ground beef in a skillet, then seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for a balanced savory and mildly spicy flavor. Cream cheese is gradually mixed into the meat to melt and blend, making the mixture creamy and cohesive. Half the cheddar cheese is stirred in before transferring to a casserole dish.
The casserole is topped with the remaining shredded cheddar and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, forming a savory crust. The dish is garnished with fresh chopped parsley for color and a mild herbal note.
This hearty casserole works as a low-carb main dish, suitable for those following keto or low-carb diets. It reheats well and can be complemented with low-carb vegetables if desired.
Drain excess fat after browning for a leaner meal and to avoid greasiness. Optional additions include chopped onions or a variety of vegetables cooked with the beef. The casserole stores safely in the refrigerator for several days and freezes well in portion sizes.
Ingredients
- olive oil for pan, spray form
- 2 pounds ground beef 85% lean
- 1 teaspoon salt sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil and set it aside.
- Heat a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray it with olive oil.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat into small pieces, until the meat is no longer raw, about 5 minutes. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne into the beef, then slowly and patiently mix in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Turn the heat off, and mix ½ cup of the shredded cheddar into the beef mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar on top.
- Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted, for about 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Draining fat after browning the beef reduces grease and adjusts nutritional information accordingly.
- Leaving beef slightly pink when initially cooking is acceptable since it finishes cooking in the oven, helping retain juiciness.
- Optional additions include sautéed chopped onion or vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice levels can be adjusted by adding smoked paprika, chili powder, or hot sauce like Sriracha as preferred.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated up to 4 days; reheat covered at half power in microwave.
- Portion and freeze individual servings wrapped tightly for up to three months, reheating thoroughly before eating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 304 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 4ounces | |
| Calories | 304kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Sodium | 497mg | 21% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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