Keto Ground Beef Casserole – A Delicious Low-Carb Comfort Food

Keto Ground Beef Casserole – A Delicious Low-Carb Comfort Food

Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, and when you’re following a keto lifestyle, finding a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful dish is a must. This Keto Ground Beef Casserole is rich, creamy, and packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a fantastic meal for the entire family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Perfect for staying within your daily carb count.
  • Easy & Quick – Minimal prep and simple ingredients.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep and leftovers.
  • Comforting & Satisfying – A cheesy, meaty, and creamy casserole that fills you up.
  • Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love it!

The Origins of Casseroles in Keto Diets

Casseroles have long been a staple of home cooking due to their convenience, ease of preparation, and ability to serve large families with minimal effort. Traditional casseroles often include high-carb ingredients such as pasta, rice, and potatoes, but this keto-friendly version swaps those out for nutrient-dense and low-carb alternatives while keeping all the delicious flavors.

The ketogenic diet focuses on high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate intake, making casseroles an ideal meal choice. With the right ingredients, a casserole can be both nutritious and incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect go-to meal option.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped spinach or kale (optional for extra nutrients)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the ground beef – Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Sauté the aromatics – Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add vegetables and seasoning – Stir in spinach/kale (if using), Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Make it creamy – Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and beef broth. Mix until well combined and smooth.
  6. Cool slightly and add eggs – Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the beaten eggs. This helps create a firm yet creamy texture in the final dish.
  7. Assemble the casserole – Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and the remaining cheddar cheese.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  9. Serve – Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for extra creaminess.
  • Pair with keto-friendly bread for a complete meal.
  • Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Make It Your Own

  • Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
  • More Veggies – Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
  • Extra Creaminess – Swap cream cheese for ricotta or mascarpone.
  • Cheese Lovers’ Dream – Experiment with different cheese blends like gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
  • Crunchy Topping – Add crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a crispy topping.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

One of the best things about this keto ground beef casserole is how well it stores!

  • Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing – Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
PREPARATION