Craving something hearty and satisfying without the carbs? This easy keto dinner with ground beef is a game-changer for those busy weeknights.
Packed with flavor and ready in no time, it’s a delicious way to stick to your keto goals while enjoying a comforting meal. Whether you’re a seasoned keto dieter or just looking for a low-carb option, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil spray. Set the dish aside for later use.
- Heat a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and spray it lightly with olive oil. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking it for about 5 minutes while breaking it into small pieces until it is no longer raw. Drain any excess fat.
- Lower the heat to medium and season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Gradually incorporate cubed cream cheese into the mixture, stirring until fully melted and combined.
- Turn off the heat and mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar with the beef mixture. Transfer this mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture. Bake the casserole for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Once baked, garnish the casserole with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray (for the pan)
- 2 pounds of extra-lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces of reduced-fat cream cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley (for garnish)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2120 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16 g | Protein: 224 g | Fat: 120 g | Saturated Fat: 40 g | Sodium: 2976 mg | Fiber: 0.8 g | Sugar: 0.8 g
FAQ
- Why do you use low-fat ingredients in this casserole?
- I often opt for extra lean ground beef and reduced-fat cream cheese in this recipe because I typically drain the fat from the beef anyway. Reduced-fat cream cheese yields excellent results, but you can certainly use full-fat ingredients if you prefer.
- Isn’t a starchy ingredient usually part of a casserole?
- Traditionally, casseroles include a starchy component. However, I have found that low-carb casseroles are delicious with just a protein, a creamy element like sour cream or cheese, spices, and sometimes a vegetable, eliminating the need for starch.
- How can I enhance the flavor of ground beef?
- While fattier ground beef is more flavorful, you can enhance the taste of extra-lean ground beef by generously seasoning it and adding creamy ingredients like sour cream or cheese.
- Can I customize this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can add chopped onions, mix in hot sauce, or experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or chili powder. Provolone cheese can also be used instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave at 50% power. You can also freeze individual portions for up to three months and reheat them as needed.
Tips
- When browning the ground beef, it’s fine to leave it slightly pink as it will finish cooking in the oven. This helps ensure the beef remains juicy.
- Feel free to use either reduced-fat or full-fat versions of the ingredients like cream cheese and cheddar. While the reduced-fat options provide excellent results, full-fat ingredients will make the dish even creamier and richer.
- This casserole is perfect for meal prep as leftovers taste even better the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze individual portions for up to three months.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating variations such as diced onions, hot sauce, or additional spices like smoked paprika and chili powder. You can also substitute cheddar with provolone for a different cheese profile.
Equipment
- Nonstick Skillet (12-inch)
- 2-quart Casserole Dish
- Olive Oil Spray
