Keto Ground Beef Casserole Recipe - Easy Low Carb Comfort Food (2024)

Indulge in this easy, low-carb Keto Ground Beef Casserole Recipe! It’s the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food casserole made with tender ground beef, creamy cream cheese, and a yummy blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

As I have mentioned many times, I am a total Southern girl. I love casseroles, veggies, and easy homemade recipes. When I was a little girl, my best friend lived next door, and her mom made the best ground beef casserole with potatoes and green beans. I always wanted to eat dinner with them when she was making it.

When I was trying to brainstorm a new recipe idea, this came to mind. It’s funny how our minds work. I hadn’t thought of it in years, but suddenly, I started craving it.

I could easily make a low-carb version by omitting the potatoes and adjusting a few other ingredients in place of the cream of mushroom soup that she used in the sauce. Instead of canned soup, I used a mixture of heavy whipping cream and cream cheese to make a thick creamy sauce for the ground beef; then I topped it with green beans and cheese.

My little girls absolutely devoured it! Before I knew it, they had each put down two servings. I knew then it would be a hit!!

Ingredients

Ground beef – the protein for this casserole adds sso much yummy flavor
Cream cheese – makes the casserole creamy and smooth
Beef broth – deepens flavor
Heavy whipping cream – rich, creamy base
Bragg’s Aminos – adds a bit of umami flavor
Garlic powder & Onion Powder – adds a wonderful flavor
Green beans – bring a fresh and healthy touch to the casserole.
Mozzarella & Cheddar cheese -cheesy, gooey goodness

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here is a step-by-step pictorial to help you make the recipe. For the complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of the post to the printable recipe card.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Preheat your oven to your oven to 350°F.

In a large skillet, cook your ground beef over medium heat until browned. Next, you’ll want to drain it unless you prefer to keep the extra fat.

Tip: One of my favorite time-saving meal prep tips is to brown ground beef in advance and keep it in the freezer. I usually buy several pounds at brown it all at once. It makes recipes like this so quick and easy!

Step 2: Make the Yummy Creamy Base

Add the cream cheese to the browned ground beef and melt over low heat. Next, add the beef broth, heavy cream, Bragg’s Aminos (or soy sauce), and seasonings. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, letting the mixture thicken slightly. Keep the lid off for it to thicken properly.

Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Otherwise, it doesn’t blend as smoothly.

Step 3: Add Green Beans, Cheese, and Bake

Drain the green beans and dump them in the skillet. I used canned because that’s what I had on hand, but feel free to use frozen if you prefer. Top with generous amounts of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Pop in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until melted, hot, and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve

As hard as it will be to wait, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or bacon crumbles. Bacon makes everything better, right?

FAQ’s

Do I Need a Cast Iron Skillet for This Casserole?

You can prepare this in any oven-safe baking dish or skillet, but I love using cast iron skillets for even heating from stovetop to oven. For this recipe, I used a 10.25″ cast iron skillet. Cast iron skillets last forever. I have several that were my grandmothers that are over 50 years old!

What’s the difference between 80/20 and lean ground beef?

The 80/20 refers to the meat’s fat-to-protein ratio. 80% lean ground beef contains 20% fat, creating juicier, more tender, and flavorful casserole recipes. Lean or 95% beef is lower in fat at 5%, making it healthier but drier! I always use 80/20 for the best flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Sure! It’s a great way to save time! Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Then, when ready to enjoy it, pop it in the oven.

Is this Easy Low-Carb Ground Beef Casserole Gluten-Free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. The main ingredients – ground beef, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green beans, and seasonings – do not contain gluten. Make sure, though, to check the ingredients you use in your kitchen. Sometimes, gluten can be sneaky.

Can I make this casserole keto-friendly?

It already is at less than 4g net carbs per serving.

What Can I Serve With It?

I keep it simple and serve it with a leafy garden salad. It would also be yummy with Keto Cheddar Bay Biscuits or Creamy Keto Cauliflower Mash.

Variations to this Healthy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe:

Meat Variations:

• Ground Turkey
• Ground Chicken
• Italian Sausage
• Ground Pork
• Shredded Chicken

(Consider swapping chicken broth for beef broth if using poultry)

Vegetable Variations:

There are so many options! Zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, squash, or mushrooms are all great low-carb options. You might also like my Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Casserole.

Seasoning/ Toppings Variations:

• Taco Seasoning: Add a fun Tex-Mex twist.
• Cajun Spice: Use Cajun seasoning for a bold and spicy flavor profile.
• Lemon Pepper: Sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning for a zesty twist.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicier version when seasoning the ground beef mixture.
• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami taste and depth of the casserole.

Storing and Freezing This Low Carb Casserole

It stays fresh in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Freezer:

For longer-term freezing, up to 3 months, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This prevents freezer burn. Dairy may cause a slight texture change upon thawing, but it won’t affect taste.

Thawing & Reheating:

Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating in 325°F oven until heated through, about 30 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

While this low-carb version may be a bit different than my childhood friend’s mom’s original recipe with potatoes, it still has all the comforting flavors I remember. I hope your family enjoys this hearty, cheesy casserole as much as mine does!

Other Keto Casserole Recipes:

• Cheesy Mexican Skillet
• Low Carb Chicken Casserole
• Keto Pizza Casserole

More Easy Keto Ground Beef Recipes:

• Low-Carb Ground Beef Recipe: Italian Keto Beef Skillet
• Keto Ground Beef Stir-Fry
• 20 Delicious Keto Beef Recipes

Whip up this easy, quick, low-carb ground beef casserole on hectic weeknights or meal prep ahead on the weekends to always have a delicious low-carb dinner ready to enjoy!