Looking for a rich, comforting, and protein-packed dinner that’s loaded with bold flavor—without unnecessary carbs or gluten? This Low-Carb Ground Beef Casserole is exactly what you need. With its seasoned beef layer, creamy cheese topping, and soft cauliflower base, this keto-friendly version delivers all the warmth of classic comfort food—right from your own kitchen.
Perfect for family dinners , meal prep , or when you’re craving something hearty but staying in ketosis, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients like ground beef, almond flour, and mozzarella to bring bold restaurant-style flavor into your home. Whether you’re doing strict ketosis , following a low-carb lifestyle , or simply love baked beef dishes, this ground beef casserole will quickly become a household favorite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this perfect low-carb ground beef casserole from scratch , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole
This isn’t just any old baked dish—it’s a savory, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth delight made with real ingredients that bring bold flavor and satisfying texture together beautifully—all in one pan!
Here’s why it stands out:
- 🍗 Hearty meat layer : Cooked to juicy perfection with rich seasoning.
- 🧀 Golden cheese topping : Melted mozzarella and Parmesan add depth and stretch.
- 🥦 Low-carb veggie base : Made with riced cauliflower or zucchini for clean eating.
- 🍲 One-dish meal prep : Minimal cleanup, maximum convenience.
- ⏱️ Ready in under an hour
- 🧁 Great for batch cooking or freezer meals
- 🧼 Easy to customize : Add veggies, swap cheeses, or change up the seasoning
Whether you’re making it for yourself, your kids, or guests at a dinner party, this ground beef casserole will quickly become a go-to comfort dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil (for sautéing)
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or taco seasoning (keto-friendly)
Optional: 1 tbsp tomato paste or sugar-free marinara sauce for extra richness
For the “Rice” Base:
- 3 cups riced cauliflower (or konjac noodles for ultra-low carb)
- 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or large oven-safe skillet.
Tip: Use a cast iron skillet for even browning and rustic presentation.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onions and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in seasonings and optional tomato paste or marinara sauce.
Let simmer for 3–4 minutes to develop flavor.
Pro Tip: Use lean ground beef or grass-fed for best nutrition and taste!
Step 3: Sauté the Cauliflower Rice
In the same skillet (or separate), add riced cauliflower and butter.
Sauté or steam for 4–5 minutes , until tender but not mushy.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish:
- Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Top with cauliflower rice, pressing gently to flatten.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan generously over the top.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes , or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm straight from the pan or transfer to plates.
Pair with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a side salad for a full meal.
Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite of your Ground Beef Casserole !
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 6 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~18 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~7 g |
| Cholesterol | ~60 mg |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
| Total Carbs | ~6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~2 g |
| Net Carbs | ~4 g |
| Protein | ~18 g |
Note: Values may vary based on exact measurements and optional add-ins.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Casserole
- Use high-quality meat – Lean cuts brown better and deliver deeper flavor.
- Don’t overcook the cauliflower rice – It can become soggy if steamed too long.
- Layer carefully – Ensures even distribution of beef and cheese.
- Make ahead and reheat – Flavors intensify overnight; store in fridge for up to 4 days.
- Double the batch for freezer meals – Great for future lunches or dinners.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:
Mexican Style
Top with diced avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro for taco-inspired flair.
Zucchini Noodles
Replace cauliflower rice with spiralized zucchini for a lighter version.
Chicken Casserole
Swap beef for shredded cooked chicken or turkey for a different protein option.
No-Bake Energy Bowl
Layer cold beef and cauliflower rice with sour cream and pickled vegetables.
Vegan Option
Use plant-based crumbles, vegan cheese, and flaxseed eggs for dairy-free magic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this truly keto-friendly?
Yes! With only ~4g net carbs per serving , it fits perfectly within a ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I use regular white rice?
You can—but it will increase the carb count significantly. Stick with cauliflower rice for low-carb results.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Mozzarella melts best, but cheddar, Gouda, or provolone also work well.
Can I make individual servings?
Yes! Fill muffin tins or ramekins for mini casseroles.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Ground Beef Casserole works because of its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:
- The beef stays tender and juicy , soaking up rich seasoning and spices.
- The cauliflower rice mimics traditional rice without the carb load.
- And the golden cheese topping adds richness and crunch , completing the flavor profile.
It’s the kind of dish that makes eating clean feel indulgent—because it tastes so good.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for creative ways to serve your ground beef casserole beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:
In Wraps
Wrap in large lettuce leaves or collard greens for handheld eats.
Over Greens
Top arugula or spinach with warm casserole for a heartier salad.
With Dipping Sauces
Try chipotle mayo, ranch, or tahini dressing for extra flair.
At a Party
Cut into squares and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for appetizer bites.
As Leftovers
Crumble into scrambled eggs or mix with avocado for a fusion-style bowl.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of what makes this dish special:
Ground Beef
High in iron, zinc, and complete protein—supports muscle growth and satiety.
Cauliflower
Rich in fiber and vitamin C—great for digestion and immunity.
Cheese
Packed with calcium and healthy fats—important for brain and bone function.
Even though this is a comfort-style dish, it’s packed with nutrients that make it more than just a treat—it’s a smart addition to your balanced lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Dish for Family Dinners
This Ground Beef Casserole proves that going low-carb doesn’t mean missing out on bold global flavors. With its tender meat, vibrant sauce, and soft veggie-rice base, it’s the kind of dish that turns a simple skillet into something magical.
Whether you’re new to keto, looking for a fast dinner idea, or want to impress with homemade flair, this casserole deserves a spot in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, share it with family, or savor it solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something worth celebrating.
Print
Ground Beef Casserole – Hearty, Cheesy & Perfectly Low-Carb!
- Total Time: 40 mins
Description
A delightful blend of savory beef, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 ounces fresh baby spinach
10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice, cooked according to the directions on the bag
1 cup sour cream, or plain yogurt
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
½ teaspoon dried basil 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, if needed
8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese, or any other shredded cheese that you have/prefer
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 20 seconds.
Add ground beef and season it with Italian Seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Continue to cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, and cook until beef is completely browned.
Add in spinach – you might have to do this in batches, depending on the size of your skillet – cook, stirring frequently, for 1 more minute or until spinach is wilted.
Remove from heat, drain the liquid from the skillet, and set aside.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and dried basil; stir and mix until completely combined and creamy. If sour cream and butter aren’t melting completely, stir in some milk. The cauliflower rice should be warm enough to melt the butter.
Add prepared beef mixture to the baking dish; stir until everything is completely incorporated. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Remove from oven and let stand for 7 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 553
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 43g