Lazy Keto Beef & Cauliflower Casserole

Lazy Keto Beef & Cauliflower Casserole 🥩🧀

This Lazy Keto Beef & Cauliflower Casserole is a simple, low-carb dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. With tender cauliflower rice, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is hearty, comforting, and easy to make. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and satisfying casserole step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Keto-Friendly : Low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for keto diets.
2. One-Pan Wonder : Minimal cleanup—everything is cooked in a single skillet or baking dish.
3. Customizable : Add veggies, spices, or toppings to suit your taste.
4. Quick & Easy : Ready in under 45 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
5. Comfort Food Classic : Rich, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 for juiciness ) 🥩
• 2 cups cauliflower rice 🥦
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🌿
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 🌿
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper ⚫
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper (optional, for extra flavor and color ) 🌶️
• 1 cup chopped spinach (optional, for added greens ) 🥬
• ½ cup heavy cream 🥛
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese , divided 🧀

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven (Optional)

1. If baking the casserole, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes ). Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Drain any excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for moisture.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

1. Stir in the cauliflower rice , garlic powder , onion powder , Italian seasoning , salt , and pepper . Cook for 5–7 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
   • Optional : Add the chopped bell pepper and spinach during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Stir until the spinach wilts and the peppers soften slightly.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream and Cheese

1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream , mixing well to combine.
2. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake (Optional)

1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish (if not using an oven-safe skillet).
2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes , or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Cauliflower Rice : Fresh or frozen cauliflower rice works great—just avoid overcooking to keep it firm.
2. Add Heat : Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day . Bake just before serving, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked portions in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
5. Switch Up the Veggies : Use zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli instead of bell peppers or spinach.

Perfect Pairings

This Lazy Keto Beef & Cauliflower Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Side Salad : Serve with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad for balance.
• Garlic Bread : Pair with keto-friendly garlic bread or keto rolls for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold soda for refreshment.
• Fresh Fruit : Serve with fresh berries, sliced cucumbers, or avocado slices for a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 6 servings)

• Calories : ~350 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~8g
• Fat : ~25g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Lazy Keto Beef & Cauliflower Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers on flavor and texture. The combination of tender cauliflower, savory ground beef, and gooey cheddar creates a dish that’s as indulgent as it is wholesome.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your ground beef, chop those veggies, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.