Name: Cheesy Keto Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs lean ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (no added sugar); 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium, no sugar); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (non-alcoholic); 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Ingredients

1.5 lbs lean ground beef

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (no added sugar)

1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium, no sugar)

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (non-alcoholic)

1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup full-fat sour cream

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef, breaking it apart, until no pink remains, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: While the beef simmers, in a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella. Carefully spoon and spread the creamy cheese mixture over the cheese-topped beef. Top with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and/or sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, stir a handful of cooked spinach or chopped mushrooms into the beef mixture before layering.

Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses for a more complex flavor.

If you prefer less spice, omit the cayenne pepper or start with a smaller amount.

Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture and flavor, so dairy-free substitutions would require significant changes. You might try coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the results may vary.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole makes a great meal prep option. It stores well in the fridge, and portions can be reheated quickly for convenient lunches or dinners.