Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With tender beef, fresh spinach, and creamy cauliflower rice topped with melted cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 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 directions
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, if needed
• 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese (or any preferred shredded cheese)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 20 seconds.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and season with Italian Seasoning, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Cook the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned.
5. Step 5: Add fresh baby spinach in batches if needed. Stir frequently and cook for about 1 minute until the spinach is wilted.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat, drain any excess liquid, and set aside the beef and spinach mixture.
7. Step 7: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and dried basil. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well blended. If the butter and sour cream don’t fully melt, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to help.
8. Step 8: Add the beef and spinach mixture to the baking dish and mix everything together until thoroughly combined. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and allow it to stand for 7 to 10 minutes before serving to let it set.

Tips & Variations

• Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version with a slight tang.
• Swap Italian seasoning with a mix of oregano and thyme if preferred.
• Feel free to add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
• If you want a lower-carb option, ensure the cauliflower rice is thoroughly drained before mixing.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cauliflower rice instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cauliflower rice works well. Just be sure to cook it until tender and drain any excess moisture before mixing it into the casserole.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely. This casserole reheats nicely and tastes just as good the next day, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays.

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 129 reviews

This Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, fresh spinach, and creamy cauliflower rice topped with melted Italian blend cheese. It’s a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional casseroles, perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 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 the package directions
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (if needed)
• 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese or any preferred shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.
3. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and season it with Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
4. Cook Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet, in batches if necessary. Cook, stirring frequently for about 1 minute until spinach is wilted and well combined with the beef mixture.
5. Drain and Set Aside: Remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess liquid from the beef and spinach mixture. Set this mixture aside.
6. Prepare Cauliflower Mixture: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, room temperature butter, and dried basil. Stir well until the mixture is creamy. If the sour cream and butter are not fully melting, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to smooth the texture. The warmth of the cauliflower rice helps melt the butter.
7. Combine Beef with Cauliflower Mix: Add the prepared beef and spinach mixture to the baking dish. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated for a consistent mixture.
8. Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Italian blend cheese over the top of the casserole mixture.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the cheese has melted to a golden, gooey finish.
10. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 7 to 10 minutes before cutting into portions and serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and enhances flavors.

Notes

• Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat and keeps the dish healthier.
• Frozen cauliflower rice should be cooked according to package instructions before adding to the casserole.
• Feel free to substitute sour cream with plain yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and lower fat content.
• Add milk gradually when mixing the cauliflower rice to adjust creaminess without making the dish watery.
• This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, low-carb casserole, cauliflower rice casserole, easy dinner recipes, baked ground beef dish