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Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole: A Comforting, Low-Carb Delight

Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice
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This Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines lean ground beef, fresh spinach, and creamy cauliflower rice, all topped with melted cheese. Plus, it’s low-carb and keto-friendly! Follow the simple steps below, and don’t forget to check out the tips and nutrition information for a seamless cooking experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice, cooked according to package instructions
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (if needed)
  • 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese (or any shredded cheese you prefer)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds.
  3. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully browned.
  4. Wilt the spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet (in batches if necessary) and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat, drain any excess liquid, and set aside.
  5. Prepare the cauliflower rice mixture: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and dried basil. Stir until creamy and well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to help melt the butter.
  6. Combine beef and cauliflower rice: Add the prepared beef mixture to the baking dish and stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
  7. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
  9. Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 7-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Add more veggies: Feel free to include sautéed carrots, frozen peas, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Protein substitutes: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or Italian sausage for variety.
  • Don’t cover while baking: Avoid covering the casserole with foil to allow the cheese to melt and bubble up.
  • Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.swedishinarabic.net/cheesy-ground-beef-and-cauliflower-rice-casserole-a-comforting-low-carb-delight/