The smell of browning ground beef and melted cheese bubbling away in the oven takes me straight back to childhood dinner tables. This keto ground beef casserole brings all that cozy comfort without the carbs. It’s become my go-to weeknight savior when everyone’s hungry and I need something hearty on the table fast.
Think of your favorite comfort casserole, but with cauliflower rice standing in for those heavy noodles or potatoes. Ground beef, creamy cheese, and simple seasonings come together in one dish that’s both satisfying and low-carb friendly. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, except it’s dinner and so much better. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been tweaking casserole recipes since my daughters were little, always searching for that perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. This one passed the ultimate test when my teenager asked for seconds without even realizing it was keto. I tested every cheese combination and timing trick. You’ll love the secret!
PrintKeto Ground Beef Casserole Recipe: Easy and Delicious
This Keto Ground Beef Casserole is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy nights. It features versatile seasonings and creamy cheese, fitting well with Cheesy Keto Beef Casserole Cauliflower Rice and Low Carb Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray – for pan
- 2 pounds ground beef – 85% lean
- 1 teaspoon 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 – shredded divided
- 2 tablespoons parsley – chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Set your oven to preheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil spray.
- On the stove, heat a 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium-high and coat with olive oil spray.
- Add ground beef and cook while stirring to crumble until no longer raw, roughly 5 minutes, then drain excess fat and return beef to skillet.
- Turn the heat to medium and stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, then gradually add cream cheese until fully melted and mixed in.
- Remove from heat and mix ½ cup cheddar into beef, reserving the rest for topping.
- Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish, sprinkle remaining cheddar on top, and bake for about 10 minutes until cheese melts.
- Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- When accounting for nutrition, drained fat has been considered
- It is fine if beef is slightly pink after browning since it cooks fully in the oven keeping it juicy
- Onions are omitted for simplicity but can be added if desired
- Optional vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli may be included during browning
- Hot sauce or extra spices like smoked paprika and chili powder are great additions to taste
- Store leftovers sealed in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze portions for 3 months, reheating covered in the microwave at 50% power
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 304 kcal
- Sodium: 497 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
Why You’ll Love This Simple Comfort Classic
This keto ground beef casserole takes me back to those busy weeknights when my daughters were little and I needed a dinner that came together in thirty minutes. The cream cheese melts into the seasoned beef, creating an incredibly rich base that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is. Sometimes I toss in bell pepper strips or cauliflower florets while browning the beef to make it a complete meal. On other nights, when we’re craving something with a bit more kick, stirring in a tablespoon of sriracha transforms the entire dish.
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple pantry staples and ground beef
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables
- Freezer-friendly for busy weeks ahead
Ingredient Breakdown and Kitchen Tips
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Ground beef forms the hearty foundation, while cream cheese contributes that luxurious, creamy texture we all crave. I always use 85% lean ground beef because it provides enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy after draining.
The spice blend is my tried-and-true combination: garlic powder and onion powder provide savory depth, while just a pinch of cayenne pepper adds warmth without overwhelming heat. The cheddar cheese is divided, with half mixed into the beef for creaminess and half sprinkled on top for a beautiful golden finish.
| Ingredient | Kitchen Tip | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Don’t overcook in first step – it finishes in oven | Ground turkey or chicken |
| Cream Cheese | Cube it first for easier melting | Greek yogurt (reduce heat) |
| Cheddar | Freshly shredded melts better | Monterey Jack or Colby |
| Cayenne | Start with less if heat-sensitive | Paprika for mild flavor |
How the Magic Happens Step-by-Step
The secret to this casserole’s success is building layers of flavor right in your skillet before it even hits the oven. I start by browning the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small, bite-sized pieces. Pro tip: Don’t worry if it’s still slightly pink after five minutes it’ll finish cooking in the oven and stay wonderfully juicy.
After draining the beef, I reduce the heat to medium and work in all those beautiful seasonings. Then comes the cream cheesethis is where patience pays off. Add it slowly, stirring gently until it melts completely into the beef. The mixture should look rich and cohesive before you fold in that first half-cup of cheddar.
The final ten minutes in the oven transform everything. The top layer of cheese bubbles and turns golden while the flavors meld deliciously underneath. It’s like watching comfort food come to life right in your kitchen.
Troubleshooting and Recipe Tweaks
Sometimes the cream cheese can get a bit stubborn and clumpy. When this happens, I turn the heat down even lower and add it one cube at a time, stirring constantly. If it’s still giving trouble, a tablespoon of the beef drippings (before you drain them) helps everything come together smoothly.
For families who love vegetables, this recipe becomes even more versatile. I’ve made versions that could practically be called a keto zucchini ground beef casserole by adding diced zucchini, or created an Italian-inspired variation with bell peppers and extra garlic powder.
- Too salty? Add a dollop of sour cream when serving
- Want it spicier? Stir in hot sauce or double the cayenne
- Need more vegetables? Broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers work beautifully
- Cheese not melting evenly? Cover with foil for the first 5 minutes of baking
Serving Ideas and Storage Solutions
This casserole shines on its own, but I love serving it over cauliflower rice for an even heartier mealit’s like creating your own cheesy keto beef casserole cauliflower rice combo. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, and crusty bread (for non-keto family members) is never out of place.
Leftovers often taste better the next day. The flavors have time to meld, and reheating in the microwave at 50% power keeps everything creamy. I often double the recipe and freeze individual portions in glass containersperfect for those nights when cooking feels impossible.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Microwave covered at 50% power |
| Freezer (individual portions) | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight, then microwave |
| Freezer (whole casserole) | Up to 2 months | Thaw completely, reheat in 350°F oven |
Expert Says
When making a KETO GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE, focus on the meat’s fat content for the best flavor and satisfaction. Ground beef with a higher fat percentage not only enhances taste but also helps maintain ketosis by providing essential fats that keep you feeling full longer.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Quest for the Ultimate Keto Ground Beef Casserole
After countless experiments, I finally perfected this Keto Ground Beef Casserole recipe. One time, I accidentally used double the spices, and the fire alarm definitely got a workout! Each attempt brought me closer to the comforting balance I was aiming forrich, hearty, and family-friendly.
FAQs ( Keto Ground Beef Casserole )
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re putting it in the oven cold. This makes weeknight dinners so much easier when you prep on Sunday.
What can I substitute for cauliflower rice?
Chopped zucchini, diced mushrooms, or riced broccoli work beautifully in this recipe. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from any vegetable you choose to prevent a watery casserole. Each option keeps the carb count low while adding great texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?
Brown your ground beef thoroughly and drain all excess fat before mixing. If using frozen cauliflower rice, thaw and squeeze out moisture with a clean kitchen towel. This simple step makes a huge difference in achieving a perfectly thick, creamy texture.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Let it cool completely before freezing, then thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until warmed through. Individual portions freeze great for quick lunches too.
What cheese works best for a keto beef casserole?
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor and melts beautifully, but mozzarella creates an amazing stretchy texture. I often use a combination of both for the perfect balance. Cream cheese in the base layer adds incredible richness without extra carbs.
This keto ground beef casserole delivers everything you want in thirty minutes golden, bubbly cheese on top and a rich, creamy center that makes everyone ask for seconds. The aroma alone transforms your kitchen into the heart of comfort, and you’ll love how the cream cheese adds luxurious texture without any heavy carbs weighing you down.
Try stirring in some diced bell peppers next time, or make it feel like a low carb ground beef stroganoff casserole with a dollop of sour cream and mushrooms. A trick from my own kitchen: let it rest five minutes before serving so everything settles perfectly. Leftovers reheat beautifully and often taste even richer the next day.
I’d love to see your version snap a photo and share what made it special in your home! Did this remind you of a favorite family casserole from childhood? There’s something magical about how comfort food connects us across generations. Save this recipe for those nights when you need dinner to feel like a warm hug.
