Keto Ground Beef Casserole

If you prefer something other than chicken, you should give this Keto ground beef casserole a try.

Made with lean ground beef, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, spices and herbs, this cheesy and creamy casserole contains only 2 grams of carbs per serving of 265 calories, making it friendly to both low-carb and healthy diets alike. Not just that, it’s yummy enough to make you happily serve it for your meal, and satisfy the taste buds of the whole family.

For these reasons, we introduce a savory recipe for ground beef casserole. If you are finding tasty yet simple-to-make foods to add in your low-carb diet or just geet interested in knowing more, this recipe will help.

Keto Ground Beef Casserole

Recipe by Anna SmallingCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

265

kcal

If you prefer something other than chicken, you should give this Keto ground beef casserole a try.

Ingredients

• 2 lb. extra lean ground beef (93% lean)

• 4 oz reduced fat cream cheese, cubed

• 1 cup shredded cheddar, divided

• 1 tsp fine sea salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• Olive oil spray for pan

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil and set aside.
• Heat up some olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef to the skillet. Sauté and break up the meat into small pieces, until meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• Reduce the heat to medium. Add in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne. Return cooked beef to the skillet. Mix well. Stir in cream cheese and cooked until fully melted and combined.
• Turn the heat off, and add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar into the beef mixture. Mix well.
• Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top.
• Bake in preheated oven about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
• Once cooked, remove from the oven. Let it sit for 7 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

• For the leftover, you might store in the fridge and use within 3 days. Don’t forget to re-heat them before serving.

Keto Ground Beef Casserole – Tips & Notes

Quick & Cheesy:
This keto ground beef casserole is not only flavorful but also incredibly quick to prepare, requiring only about 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. Using extra lean ground beef, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar, this dish offers a rich, cheesy, and creamy experience while keeping the carb count very low—just 2 grams per serving. It’s ideal for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet who still wants comfort food that satisfies both taste and nutritional goals.

Flavor Tips:

• Meat Selection: Choosing 93% lean ground beef keeps the casserole hearty while reducing excess grease. You can also substitute with ground bison or turkey for a slightly different flavor profile while keeping it keto-friendly.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper are key to giving depth and a mild kick to the dish. Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top after baking adds a fresh herbal aroma that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Cheese: Combining cream cheese with shredded cheddar results in a creamy, luscious texture that binds the ground beef together. For a slightly sharper flavor, consider using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or even Gruyère.

Cooking Notes:

• When sautéing the ground beef, break it into small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
• Melt the cream cheese fully into the cooked beef before transferring to the casserole dish; this ensures the cheesy flavor is evenly distributed.
• Sprinkling half of the shredded cheddar into the mixture and reserving the other half for topping gives a perfect melty golden finish when baked.
• Bake only until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Overbaking can dry out the beef slightly, though the cream cheese helps keep it moist.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this casserole hot as a main course for dinner or lunch.
• Pair it with keto-friendly sides such as steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower mash, or a simple mixed greens salad with avocado.
• For a more indulgent meal, top with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of low-carb ranch or hot sauce.
• This casserole also works well as a filling for stuffed bell peppers—simply spoon the beef and cheese mixture into halved bell peppers and bake for a few extra minutes.

Storage:

• Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, cover with a lid or foil to prevent the top from drying out and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• This casserole also freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Meal Prep Tip:
Keto ground beef casserole is excellent for meal prep. You can double the recipe and make multiple servings to have ready-made, low-carb meals for the week. It reheats well and maintains both flavor and texture, making it a convenient, keto-friendly option for busy days.

Variations to Try:

• Veggie Boost: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra fiber and nutrients.
• Spicy Kick: Include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the mixture for a spicier version.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with smoked gouda, fontina, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.

This keto ground beef casserole is versatile, filling, and satisfying, making it a perfect addition to any low-carb or ketogenic meal plan. Its simplicity, combined with the creamy, cheesy flavor, ensures it will become a staple in your weekly menu.