Ground Beef Casserole: Easy Keto Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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This tasty and cheesy ground beef casserole is keto and low-carb. One of my easiest ground beef recipes and ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

This casserole makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day and can be quickly reheated in the microwave.

Ground Beef Casserole: Easy Keto Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

Whenever I'm not sure what to make for dinner, I make this tasty casserole. Making it couldn't be easier! Brown some ground beef, add cream cheese and spices, sprinkle with shredded cheddar, and bake.

This ground beef casserole is keto and low-carb, low calorie too if that's a concern to you. But most importantly, it's delicious! Leftovers are great too, so you can double the recipe if you wish.

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  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Expert tip
  • Variations
  • Serving suggestions
  • Storing leftovers
  • Related recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
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Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients when making this tasty casserole. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

Ground beef: I use extra-lean ground beef in this recipe. Normally I prefer lean, not extra lean. But here, I drain the fat anyway, plus I add other creamy ingredients.

Salt and pepper: I use fine sea salt. If you use coarse kosher salt, you can increase the amount you use.

Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Make sure they are fresh! A stale spice can easily ruin a dish.

Cream cheese: I use reduced-fat, but full-fat is fine if that's what you prefer.

Shredded cheddar: I love using extra-sharp cheddar. It's so flavorful!

Parsley: Used mostly for garnish, but it also adds a nice layer of flavor.

Instructions

Making this ground beef casserole is truly easy. I included detailed instructions in the recipe card below. Here are the basic steps:

Your first step is to quickly brown the ground beef with a few spices.

Now, mix in some cream cheese and shredded cheddar.

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle it with a little more cheese, then bake until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Easy!

Ground Beef Casserole: Easy Keto Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Frequently asked questions

Why are you using low-fat ingredients?

I used to always buy lean ground beef (85% lean). But recently I've started experimenting with using extra lean ground beef (93% lean).

In many ground beef recipes, including this casserole, I end up draining the fat anyway. So it actually makes sense to use leaner ground beef.

I also find that reduced-fat cream cheese gives me excellent results in recipes, so I sometimes opt for using it.

So you'll see that in this recipe, I use extra lean ground beef, reduced-fat cream cheese, and a relatively small amount of shredded cheddar, with excellent, tasty, and creamy results. However, if you wish, by all means, use full-fat ingredients!

Doesn't a casserole usually include a starchy component?

Yes. Traditional casserole recipes include a starchy component. However, I've been making low-carb casseroles for many years now.

I have found that they are excellent without any starch and with just a protein ingredient, a creamy ingredient (sour cream, mayonnaise, heavy cream), spices, and sometimes a vegetable.

How can I make ground beef taste better?

Fatty ground beef is tastier than lean ground beef. But you can greatly improve the flavor of even extra-lean ground beef by salting and seasoning it liberally and by adding creamy and/or dairy ingredients such as sour cream or cheese.

Expert tip

When initially browning the ground beef, it's OK if it remains a bit pink. After all, it will finish cooking in the oven. And leaving it a bit pink in the first stage of cooking will help it remain nice and juicy.

Variations

I love this recipe as is and almost always make it as written. But in case you'd like to vary the basic recipe, here are a few ideas for you:

  • I intentionally don't include chopped onions in this recipe, because it's very tasty with the onion powder and it's so much easier not to deal with chopping an onion. But you can add a medium chopped onion when browning the beef! Maybe you're not as lazy as I am. 😉
  • Another nice variation is to mix some hot sauce into the beef mixture.
  • You can also add more spices, including smoked paprika and chili powder.
  • Provolone works well as a substitute for the cheddar in this recipe.

Serving suggestions

Any side dish goes with this casserole. It's so very versatile. I most often serve it with an easy salad of tossed greens (this arugula salad is very good), or with a simple vegetable dish such as steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus.

Storing leftovers

This casserole makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day and can keep in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.

I reheat the leftovers in the microwave, covered, on 50% power. Sometimes I freeze individual servings. They can be frozen for up to three months and reheated in the microwave.

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Recipe Card

Ground Beef Casserole: Easy Keto Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (8)

4.98 from 3640 votes

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Keto Ground Beef Casserole

This very tasty ground beef casserole is keto and low carb. A very easy recipe, it's absolutely perfect for a weeknight dinner. Leftovers are great too!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 265kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • Olive oil spray for pan
  • 2 lb. extra lean ground beef (93% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil and set it aside.

  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray it with olive oil.

  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat into small pieces, until the meat is no longer raw, about 5 minutes. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet.

  • Reduce the heat to medium. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne into the beef, then slowly and patiently mix in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

  • Turn the heat off, and mix ½ cup of the shredded cheddar into the beef mixture.

  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar on top.

  • Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Video

Notes

When initially browning the ground beef, it's OK if it remains a bit pink. After all, it will finish cooking in the oven. And leaving it a bit pink in the first stage of cooking will help it remain nice and juicy.

I use extra lean ground beef, reduced-fat cream cheese, and a relatively small amount of shredded cheddar, with excellent, tasty, and creamy results. However, if you wish, by all means, use full-fat ingredients! The casserole will be even better with those.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 4oz | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 372mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Ground Beef Casserole: Easy Keto Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (19) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Sharon

    Ground Beef Casserole: Easy Keto Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (20)
    Awesome quick recipe! I am doing keto and my husband is not, so I served mine over salad and his over mashed potatoes. We both loved it! I added onions and fresh garlic. I actually just prepared it in a skillet and skipped the baking. I just put the lid on the skillet to let the cheese melt. A new favorite!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Yay! I love how you made it work for both of you, Sharon! Thanks for the tip about skipping the oven.

      Reply

  2. Suzannah

    This a a good base recipe. Can add almost anything to change it up. I baked it 10 minutes then added sliced pickles, sliced grape tomatoes, and chopped purple onions to cover the top. Then baked a few more minutes to soften the onions and tomatoes a bit. I called it a hamburger casserole. Really added texture and a mix of flavors.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Your additions sound yummy, Suzannah! Thanks for the detailed comment.

      Reply

  3. Erin

    Ground Beef Casserole: Easy Keto Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (21)
    This is a weekly staple in our house. We make the recipe exactly as it's listed and then add one can of green beans and canned mushrooms-drain liquid from both. Still keeps it low-carb and quick, and it's an all-inclusive meal.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I love the idea of adding canned, drained veggies! Thanks for this comment, Erin!

      Reply

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Ground Beef Casserole: Easy Keto Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is the best ground beef ratio for keto? ›

Ground chuck is often the most popular as it's tender and juicy, and has 80% protein and 20% fat. It's an excellent choice for those who want more fat in their keto diet. If you prefer less, choose 85/15 ground beef.

What is the best meat to eat on a keto diet? ›

Some of the best meats for keto include beef, pork, chicken, salmon, and bison. Still, all plain, unprocessed meats are keto-friendly and low in carbs — so there are plenty of options to choose from. However, you may want to choose your meats based on other factors in addition to carb count.

Is cheeseburger keto? ›

Yes, cheeseburgers are Keto-friendly since they have almost zero carbs (without the bun). Cheeseburgers are high in fat and protein which make them perfect for Keto, Low Carb, and LCHF diets.

Is coconut milk keto? ›

The bottom line. Regular, unsweetened coconut milk naturally contains lots of fat and minimal carbs, making it a great option for most keto meal plans. However, certain varieties contain added sweeteners and may not be appropriate for a keto diet.

How much beef per day on keto? ›

In other words, the goal isn't to pile your plate with steak or chicken. So, what should you be filling up on instead? At each meal, aim for 3 to 4 ounces of protein, like lean beef, fish, or pork, depending on your macronutrient needs.

Can you eat tomatoes on keto? ›

Can you eat tomatoes on the keto diet? "Tomatoes are keto," says Abby Langer, R.D., author of Good Food, Bad Diet. "They're low in carbs, so they fit perfectly into keto." One whole medium tomato contains roughly 5 grams of carbohydrates, of which 1.5 grams are fiber and 3 grams are sugar.

Can I eat meat every day on a keto diet? ›

Meat and poultry are popular with people on the keto diet because they're high in fat and very low in carbs. However, scientists have found links between eating too much meat on a regular basis and health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and excess weight.

What cheese to eat on keto? ›

Additionally, “full-flavored cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheeses provide an interesting flavor while still fitting into the ketogenic eating pattern,” she says. “These high-fat, full-flavored cheeses can help add taste and texture to many dishes without increasing carbohydrate content significantly.

What are the top 5 keto foods? ›

These are the top 10 keto foods you should include if you're on...
  1. Salmon. Whether wild or farm-raised, salmon is rich in fat, making it an essential ketogenic diet staple. ...
  2. Eggs. This affordable protein and fat source is highly versatile. ...
  3. Cauliflower. ...
  4. Greens. ...
  5. Avocado. ...
  6. Nuts. ...
  7. Olive oil. ...
  8. Zucchini.

Can you eat a big mac without bun on keto? ›

Big Mac Without The Bun

Yup, you can still eat a Big Mac when you're on the keto diet, though it's definitely not the healthiest keto option on the menu. If you're looking for an indulgence that still falls in the keto range, this is it.

Is sour cream keto? ›

Regular, full fat sour cream is made from cream and contains far more fat than carbs. Therefore, it's considered keto-friendly. However, low fat or nonfat sour cream is not. Full fat sour cream can provide some variety in a keto diet when used as a dip base or incorporated into recipes to boost the fat content.

Can you have McDonald's on a keto diet? ›

Yes, it's possible to stick with your keto diet while eating at McDonald's. But you're still trying to stay in ketosis, which means eating less than 50g of carbs per day. You won't be able to order everything on the menu, and may also need to make some modifications.

What is the best milk for keto? ›

Unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, macadamia nut milk, flax milk, soy milk, cashew milk, and pea milk along with half-and-half and heavy cream are all keto-friendly milk options.

Is cream cheese keto? ›

Cream cheese: Cream cheese is very popular in the keto diet. At only 84 calories per 1 ounce serving, it has 1 gram of carbs and 2 grams of protein but packs 8 grams of fat per serving. It can be a keto-friendly snack or meal addition when more fat is needed.

What Indian food can you eat on keto? ›

Just a few Indian dishes containing Keto-friendly proteins include tandoori chicken/fish/shrimp, chicken ginger kabob, seekh kabab, and lamb chops. In general, meats that are not accompanied by sauce are a safe bet.

What is the perfect ground beef ratio? ›

And on this, experts concur — the most popular and flavorful ratio of lean to fat comes in at 80/20. Paul Vaccari, owner of New York City's Piccinini Brothers, which sells to restaurants as well as individuals, says his most popular mixture for hamburgers is an 80/20 ground chuck.

What is the best ground beef ratios? ›

80/20: Ground Chuck

It's the highest lean-to-fat ratio in the specialty grinds and tends to be quite tender and juicy. Ground chuck is from the shoulder of the cow. It is rich and tender with plenty of flavor. Often referred to as “lean ground beef,” this is perfect for hamburgers and meatballs.

What is ratio keto friendly? ›

The term "KETO-friendly" is used to describe :ratio products that appeal to consumers following a ketogenic diet. Always consult your physician before starting an eating plan that involves regular consumption of high fat foods.

What is the 3 1 keto ratio? ›

On a 3:1 ketogenic diet, about 87% of the calories comes from fat, and 13% comes from protein plus carbohydrate. For comparison's sake, a typical American diet contains about 35% of calories from fat and about 65% from protein and carbohydrate.

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