Recipe Card
Hook – Quick Description:
A cheesy, comforting ground beef casserole loaded with flavor — the ultimate low-carb, family-friendly dinner!
Servings & Timing:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Dietary Badges:
🥩 Low-Carb / Keto
🌾 Gluten-Free
🥛 High-Protein Comfort Food
Ingredients (Checklist Style):
1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium zucchini, diced (or 1 cup broccoli florets)
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella
2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Instructions (Concise & Numbered):
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Heat oil in a skillet; sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in zucchini, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes until veggies soften.
In a bowl, whisk cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs until smooth.
Transfer beef mixture to baking dish. Pour cream mixture over and stir slightly to combine.
Top with cheddar and mozzarella.
Bake 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Additional Notes:
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add spinach or riced cauliflower to bulk it up with more veggies.
This casserole reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep.
Brief Introduction
This Keto Ground Beef Casserole is the definition of cozy comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and protein-packed, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family — even non-keto eaters. With just 10 minutes of prep, it bakes into a golden, bubbly dish that feels indulgent but keeps carbs low.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Sautéing the Beef & Veggies
Brown ground beef with onion and garlic for a flavorful base.
Add zucchini and mushrooms (or broccoli) for a veggie boost.
Making the Creamy Sauce
Blend softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs until smooth.
This mixture sets the casserole and gives it richness.
Baking
Layer beef mixture, pour sauce, top with cheese.
Bake until golden and bubbling.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 for flavor, or leaner if preferred.
Veggies: Zucchini, broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers all work.
Cheese: Cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for melt — swap with Monterey Jack or gouda for variety.
Cream Mixture: Cream cheese and eggs are the binder — essential for texture.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese.
Italian Style: Use marinara (sugar-free) and mozzarella for a lasagna vibe.
Breakfast Bake: Mix in cooked bacon or sausage, swap cheddar for Swiss.
Serving Ideas:
With a side salad for balance.
Over riced cauliflower for extra bulk.
With roasted asparagus or green beans.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked casserole in portions up to 2 months.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated, per serving, 6 servings)
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 23g
Net Carbs: 5g
Fat: 26g
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble the casserole, refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh the next day.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Swap cream cheese/heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese.
Q: Do I need the eggs?
A: They help bind the casserole. Without them, it may be softer, but still tasty.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess water.
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