A warm, cheesy, and satisfying casserole is the ultimate comfort food, and this Keto Ground Beef Casserole is no exception. Packed with rich flavors, creamy textures, and low-carb ingredients, this dish is perfect for those following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a hearty meal without the extra carbs. This casserole is a fantastic weeknight dinner option because it’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ground beef casseroles have long been a staple in American households, providing a fulfilling and affordable meal option. This keto-friendly version eliminates the usual carb-heavy fillers like pasta or rice and replaces them with flavorful low-carb alternatives, ensuring you stay within your dietary goals without sacrificing taste. Instead of processed grains, this dish focuses on high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables that provide satiety and nourishment.
One of the best things about this Keto Ground Beef Casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you prefer adding extra cheese, swapping the vegetables, or incorporating different seasonings, this recipe serves as a delicious base that you can adjust to suit your taste. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste!
The secret to making this casserole truly outstanding lies in the combination of seasonings and creamy elements. A rich, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar creates a luscious texture that complements the seasoned ground beef beautifully. The addition of garlic and onion enhances the overall depth of flavor, while a sprinkle of paprika gives it a slight smoky touch.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Everything comes together in a single skillet before being transferred to a baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, with just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a filling, nutritious meal on the table in no time. This recipe is also great for meal prepping—simply make a large batch, refrigerate or freeze portions, and reheat when needed.
This casserole is perfect for those looking to stay in ketosis without spending hours in the kitchen. It delivers all the indulgence of a cheesy, hearty meal while keeping carbs to a minimum. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a wholesome, low-carb dinner, this Keto Ground Beef Casserole is a must-try!
Servings
Yields: 6 servings
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup cooked and drained spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with a light coat of olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Reduce the heat to low and mix in the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, diced bell peppers, and spinach (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Summary
This Keto Ground Beef Casserole is a simple, cheesy, and flavorful low-carb dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Made with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and melted cheddar, it’s a satisfying meal that keeps carbs low while maximizing flavor. Whether you’re on a keto diet or just want a delicious, easy dinner, this casserole is a fantastic choice!
Keto Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup cooked and drained spinach optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with a light coat of olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Reduce the heat to low and mix in the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, diced bell peppers, and spinach (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for a quick meal.