If you're following a ketogenic diet and craving a comforting, satisfying meal, a keto beef casserole is an excellent choice. These recipes are not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor and easy to customize. This article explores various keto beef casserole recipes, offering a range of options from cheesy delights to vegetable-rich dishes.
Why Choose Keto Beef Casserole?
Keto beef casseroles are perfect for those seeking warm, cheesy, and totally satisfying meals. They are easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights. These casseroles can be customized with different seasonings and vegetables, ensuring a variety of flavors. Moreover, they are suitable for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal even on your busiest days.
Basic Keto Ground Beef Casserole
This recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a keto-friendly meal. It's ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
- Shredded cheddar (extra-sharp for more flavor)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for seasoning
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it into small pieces, until no longer raw (about 5 minutes). Drain the beef and return it to the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Mix in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Slowly and patiently mix in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Turn off the heat and mix in ½ cup of the shredded cheddar into the beef mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar on top.
- Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Mix a tablespoon of hot sauce (like Sriracha) into the beef mixture or add ½ to 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder.
- Cheese alternatives: Provolone works well as a substitute for cheddar.
- Lean meat: Extra-lean ground beef can be used.
- Vegetables: Add your favorite low-carb vegetables to the mixture.
Keto Cheesy Beef and Spinach Casserole
This casserole combines the goodness of beef with the nutritional benefits of spinach, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Onion, chopped
- Minced garlic
- Paprika
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Soy sauce
- Tomato paste
- Bay leaves
- Fresh parsley
- Beef broth
- Spinach
- Cheese
Instructions:
- Measure out and prepare all the ingredients. Chop the onion.
- Add olive oil to a frying pan. On medium to high heat, add the ground beef to the frying pan and cook for about 6-8 minutes or until cooked thoroughly.
- Add the onion, minced garlic, paprika, red bell pepper, canned diced tomatoes, soy sauce, and tomato paste to the beef. Simmer for 20 minutes on medium heat.
- Add the bay leaves, fresh parsley, and beef stock. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach until it is wilted.
- Top it up with grated mozzarella and place it into the oven for 10 - 15 minutes until the mozzarella melts and browns a bit.
Serving:
This recipe makes a total of 6 servings of Keto Cheesy Beef and Spinach Casserole.
Read also: Ground Beef Keto Casserole
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Keto Casserole
This recipe offers a unique twist by incorporating cabbage, a fantastic keto-friendly vegetable.
Ingredients:
- Beef (cut into small pieces or minced meat)
- Cabbage, thinly sliced
- Onions, caramelized
- Mushrooms, cut into small pieces
- Spices (sweet paprika, turmeric, etc.)
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions:
- Prepare all ingredients: Cut the beef into small pieces, slice the cabbage thinly, and cut the mushrooms into small pieces.
- Heat oil in a skillet and caramelize the onions.
- Add the beef and cook until browned.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Switch off the heat and add spices and tomato sauce, mixing thoroughly.
- Add the sliced cabbage, cover with a lid, and cook on medium-low heat for approximately one hour, or until the meat is tender.
- Mix the cabbage with the meat and top with grated mozzarella.
- Place the skillet in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and browned.
Tips:
- Cabbage: Slice the cabbage as thinly as possible. Frozen cabbage can also be used.
- Spices: Experiment with your favorite spices.
- Cheese: Always buy a whole block of cheese and grate it at home for the freshest taste.
Keto Beef Stew
For a hearty and comforting option, consider a keto beef stew. By making a few easy swaps, you can enjoy a stew that's both keto-friendly and delicious.
Ingredients:
- Beef chuck roast, cut into 1" pieces
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- Onion, chopped
- Carrot, peeled and cut into rounds
- Celery, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato paste
- Low-sodium beef broth
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Freshly chopped rosemary
Instructions:
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season well with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the beef and sear on all sides until golden. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Add the mushrooms to the same pot and cook until crispy and golden. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until soft. Then add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
- Add in the tomato paste, and stir to fully coat the vegetables.
- Add the broth, rosemary, and thyme into the pot, as well as your seared beef. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, then simmer until the beef is tender. This could take around 50 minutes to an hour, so keep an eye on it.
- Once done, serve it up and garnish with more fresh herbs if you please!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this stew alongside cauliflower mashed potatoes, creamed Brussels sprouts, or smashed broccoli for a complete keto meal.
Italian-Inspired Keto Ground Beef Casserole
Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this casserole is a grown-up version of Beef-a-roni, perfect for both adults and kids.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower, chopped
- Ground beef
- White onion, diced
- Garlic, crushed
- Tomato sauce
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Sea salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Spray an 8" X 8" baking dish with a non-stick spray.
- Place 1 1/2-2 inches of water in the lower part of a steamer. Bring water to a simmer. Place cauliflower in the upper part of the steamer, cover, and fit the upper part of the steamer over the simmering water. Steam cauliflower until tender--about 10-12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the outside of the beef is browned. Drain if desired.
- Add onions to the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the onions are tender.
- Turn heat to medium. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato sauce. Add the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- When mixture comes to a simmer, stir in reserved cauliflower and 1/2 cup of the cheese. When cheese has melted and cauliflower has reheated, taste and adjust seasoning.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared 8 X 8 baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top.
- Place rack about 8 inches below heat element in oven. Preheat broiler. (If pan is not broiler-safe, set oven to 425º Fahrenheit.) Place the casserole under the broiler (or in preheated oven if using the non-broiler option) until cheese has melted as desired.
Essential Tips for the Perfect Keto Beef Casserole
- Browning the Beef: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the ground beef to ensure it browns properly instead of steaming.
- Creamy Sauce: Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too runny, simmer it over low heat to let some of the liquid evaporate. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or heavy cream.
- Dish Selection: A cast iron skillet is ideal for even heating and flavor enhancement.
- Meat Options: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or pork.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Customizing Your Keto Beef Casserole
- Vegetables: Incorporate low-carb vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and mushrooms to add nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as provolone or a Mexican blend for varied tastes.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences, whether it's a Tex-Mex twist with taco seasoning or an Italian flair with basil and oregano.
Additional Keto Beef Recipes to Explore
- Keto Beef Taco Casserole: A spicy and flavorful option for taco lovers.
- Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Combines the flavors of a cheeseburger in a casserole format.
- Low-Carb Ground Beef Recipe: Italian Keto Beef Skillet: A quick and savory one-pan meal.
Read also: Delicious Keto Casserole
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers