Easy Keto Casserole Night

$To make this easy keto casserole, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup cauliflower rice - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup diced onions - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil You can add a few optional ingredients to boost the taste: - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers - 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, for garnish If you have dietary needs or preferences, try these substitutions: - Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. - Use riced broccoli instead of cauliflower rice. - Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. - Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a vegan twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for baking. Next, grab a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Turn the heat to medium. Once hot, toss in 1/2 cup of diced onions. Sauté them until they turn translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Now, add in 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s browned. If there's excess fat, drain it off. After that, stir in 1 cup of cauliflower rice and 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to stir this well. Pour the cream mixture into your skillet with the beef and veggies. Stir everything together until well mixed. This step makes sure every bite is full of flavor. Now, transfer your mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. This will melt and create a delicious crust. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and slightly golden. Once it's done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve. To get the best results, timing is key. Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for bubbly cheese and a light golden color. If your oven runs hot, start checking at 20 minutes. Letting it rest for 5 minutes helps set the dish. Flavor is what makes this dish shine. Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a punch. You can also add red pepper flakes for heat. Try herbs like thyme or basil for a fresh taste. A splash of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors. Avoid overcooking the beef. Cook it just until browned. If you skip the resting time, the casserole may fall apart. Don’t forget to grease the dish. Skipping this step can make serving harder. Lastly, taste your mixture before baking to adjust seasoning. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds vibrant color to the dish; avoid using frozen spinach as it may make the casserole watery. Variations on Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist. Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve! Check for Doneness: Ensure the casserole is cooked through by checking that the cheese is bubbly and the edges are slightly browned for the best texture. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian casserole. Simply swap the ground beef for a mix of mushrooms and zucchini. Mushrooms add a nice, meaty texture. Zucchini keeps it light and fresh. You can still use cauliflower rice for bulk. For creaminess, stick with the heavy cream. Add your favorite spices to boost flavor. This way, you keep it keto while enjoying great veggies. Want to change things up? You can use chicken or turkey instead of beef. Ground chicken cooks fast and is lean. Turkey is another great choice for a lighter meal. Cook it the same way as the beef. You can even mix in some bacon for a smoky taste. Just be sure to adjust your seasoning based on your protein choice. You can switch out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard. Both are low in carbs and full of nutrients. If you want more crunch, try bell peppers or broccoli. They add color and flavor too. Cauliflower rice can be replaced with shredded cabbage for a fun twist. Just remember to chop everything small to blend well in the casserole. After you enjoy your Easy Keto Casserole, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. To reheat your casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts until warm. Stir in between to heat evenly. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into serving sizes. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish and layer it in the casserole dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake it as directed. This saves time and makes dinner easy. Here are some great keto-friendly side dishes: - Zucchini noodles with pesto - Roasted Brussels sprouts - Garlic butter asparagus - Cauliflower mash - Keto coleslaw These sides pair well with the casserole and keep your meal low-carb. To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese instead of cheddar. These swaps keep the dish creamy without dairy. Just check the labels to ensure they fit your diet. Enjoy the same great flavor without the dairy! We covered key ingredients for your casserole, optional add-ins, and substitutions. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfecting your dish. We even explored variations, including vegetarian options and protein swaps. Lastly, I explained how to store and reheat leftovers. Now, you have the tools to create a delicious meal your way. Enjoy the process and make it your own!$

Easy Keto Casserole Night

A delicious and easy keto-friendly casserole made with ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Keto

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup cauliflower rice
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup diced onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the cauliflower rice and chopped spinach, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts.
In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Pour the cream mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Keyword beef, casserole, keto, low carb