Imagine a world where dinner is not just a meal but a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue—okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea. Cooking can feel like a chore, especially after a long day, but when you stumble upon recipes like these keto ground beef wonders, it’s almost like finding a hidden treasure. I mean, who knew that with just a few ingredients you could whip up something so satisfying? It’s like that time I discovered you could fit a full day’s worth of enjoyment into a single bite.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil spray. Set it aside for later use.
- Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and spray it lightly with olive oil. Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking it for about 5 minutes while breaking the meat into small pieces. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet.
- Lower the heat to medium and season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Gradually mix in the cream cheese until it is completely melted and blended with the beef.
- Turn off the heat and stir in half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture. Transfer this mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture. Bake the casserole for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted.
- Once baked, garnish the casserole with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray (for the pan)
- 2 pounds extra lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons 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 use low-fat ingredients in the casserole?
- The recipe utilizes extra-lean ground beef and reduced-fat cream cheese because the fat is drained out during cooking. These ingredients still deliver excellent, creamy results. However, full-fat versions can be used if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Do casseroles usually contain carbohydrates?
- Traditionally, casseroles do include a starchy element, but this recipe is designed to be low-carb. It focuses on protein, creamy ingredients, and spices, which create a satisfying dish without the need for starch.
- How can I enhance the flavor of ground beef?
- To boost the taste of extra-lean ground beef, season it well with salt and spices. Adding creamy or dairy ingredients like sour cream or cheese can also significantly improve its flavor profile.
- Is it necessary to fully cook ground beef before baking?
- It’s not essential to cook ground beef completely as it will finish cooking in the oven. Leaving it slightly pink when browning helps keep the meat juicy throughout the baking process.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They can be reheated in the microwave at 50% power. The casserole can also be frozen for up to three months and reheated when needed.
Tips
- When browning the ground beef, it’s okay to leave it slightly pink since it will finish cooking in the oven. This technique helps keep the meat juicy.
- Feel free to use full-fat ingredients like cream cheese and cheddar for an even richer flavor, although the recipe works well with reduced-fat options too.
- This casserole is versatile and can be customized with additional ingredients like chopped onions or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be reheated in the microwave. They can also be frozen for up to three months for convenient future meals.
Equipment
- 2-quart Casserole Dish – If someone doesn’t already own a casserole dish, they might need to purchase one for this recipe.
- 12-inch Nonstick Skillet – While many people have skillets, someone might need to purchase a large nonstick skillet if they don’t have one that meets the size requirement.
- Olive Oil Spray – This is a convenient item to have for lightly greasing pans and dishes, and someone might choose to purchase it if they don’t have it at home.
