When starting a keto diet, many people worry about giving up their favorite comfort foods. However, this keto green bean stroganoff recipe proves that you can enjoy cozy, flavorful meals while staying within your carb limits. This dish combines the comforting flavors of traditional beef stroganoff with the health benefits of keto-friendly ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
A Nostalgic Inspiration
Inspired by classic ground beef casseroles, this recipe skips the potatoes and high-carb ingredients, replacing them with a creamy, rich sauce made from heavy whipping cream and cream cheese. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that even kids will love.
Key Ingredients
This keto green bean stroganoff uses simple ingredients that deliver a ton of flavor:
- Ground beef: The star of the dish, providing a hearty and savory base.
- Green beans: A low-carb vegetable that adds texture and essential nutrients.
- Cream cheese: This thickens the sauce perfectly!
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess.
- Heavy cream: Contributes to the sauce's richness and velvety texture.
- Beef broth: Enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
- Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: Creates a golden, bubbly topping.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this simple guide to create a comforting keto green bean stroganoff:
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onion and ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smoother sauce.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining off any excess fat. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the beef browns properly.
- Steam the green beans: While the beef is cooking, steam the green beans until fork-tender. You can also boil them, but make sure to drain them well.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the skillet with the beef. Stir until the cream cheese melts into the beef. Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and Bragg’s Aminos (or soy sauce). Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too runny, continue to simmer it over low heat, stirring occasionally, to let some of the liquid evaporate. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or heavy cream.
- Combine: Add the steamed green beans to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add cheese: Stir in most of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, reserving some for topping.
- Bake (optional): Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish or skillet (cast iron is ideal for even heating). Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfection
- Creamy sauce: Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest sauce. If short on time, microwave it for a few seconds and cut it into small pieces.
- Sauce consistency: To test if the sauce is thick enough, dip the back of a spoon into the sauce and run your finger through it. If the line stays clear, the sauce is perfect.
- Even cooking: If using a skillet, any oven-safe dish or skillet will work, but cast iron heats evenly, giving your casserole that perfect texture and flavor boost.
- Browning the beef: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the ground beef to ensure it browns properly.
- Cheese quality: For best results, shred a block of cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or pork.
- Dairy-free: Substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or almond-based cream cheese.
- Vegetables: Mix things up with your favorite low-carb veggies such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or spinach. Sliced mushrooms can also be added.
- Seasoning: Experiment with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist, or try curry powder instead of paprika.
Serving Suggestions
This keto green bean stroganoff is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:
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- As a meal: Enjoy it as a filling dish on its own.
- With a salad: Pair it with a fresh, leafy garden salad or a Caesar salad for a light side.
- With keto bread: Serve it with keto biscuits, chaffles, cornbread, or English muffins.
- With additional vegetables: Add a side of cooked low-carb vegetables like boiled or roasted radishes, asparagus, or cauliflower.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Microwave cooking time will vary depending on the size of your serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this keto green bean stroganoff contains less than 4g net carbs, making it a perfect fit for a low-carb or keto meal plan.
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