Keto Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle. Packed with savory beef, tender zucchini, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re new to the ketogenic diet or just looking for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, this recipe delivers on flavor without compromising your dietary goals. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy evenings or meal prep days. Discover what makes this casserole an irresistible addition to your keto menu.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Ground Beef Casserole
If you’re tired of bland keto meals, this Keto Ground Beef Casserole will reignite your enthusiasm for low-carb cooking. It masterfully combines rich, creamy textures with bold, savory flavors. Plus, it uses basic pantry staples and requires minimal cleanup. The zucchini adds a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast to the rich ground beef and creamy cheese, making every bite a delight. It’s a foolproof dish that fits seamlessly into any low-carb meal plan, and best of all, it’s customizable to your tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 12 ounces zucchini, diced into cubes
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step: How to Make Keto Ground Beef Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and mist a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil spray. Set aside.
- Brown the beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, giving the pan a light spray of oil.
- Add seasonings: sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook while breaking up the beef into crumbles until it’s fully browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini during the final minute of cooking. Mix thoroughly.
- Melt in cream cheese, stirring constantly until it’s completely incorporated and creamy.
- Fold in cheese by mixing in 1/4 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella.
- Assemble the casserole by spreading the mixture into your prepared baking dish and topping it with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden top.
- Finish with parsley and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Choose grass-fed ground beef for enhanced flavor and nutritional value.
- Dice zucchini evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Remove any excess fat if using a high-fat beef cut to keep the dish balanced.
- Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and the texture set.
Substitutions And Variations
- Zucchini alternatives: Yellow squash or diced eggplant are excellent substitutes.
- Extra vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded cabbage for added nutrition.
- Different cheeses: Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or using pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like heat.
Storage Instructions
Place any leftovers in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until hot throughout. For extended storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 79mg
- Sodium: 476mg
- Potassium: 349mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 478 IU
- Vitamin C: 9mg
- Calcium: 125mg
- Iron: 2mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Keto Ground Beef Casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. You can also enjoy it with a side of cauliflower rice or keto-friendly breadsticks to round out the meal. It pairs wonderfully with sparkling water or an herbal iced tea for a refreshing finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Ground Beef Casserole
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work just as well and offer different flavor profiles.
Is this casserole spicy?
Not at all. It has a mild, savory flavor. You can always add hot sauce or chili flakes if you prefer heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead and refrigerate before baking. When ready, bake as instructed.
How do I prevent the zucchini from getting mushy?
Dice the zucchini evenly and avoid overcooking. It will soften slightly while baking but retain some bite.
Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely! The cheesy, meaty flavors are a hit with kids, and you can easily sneak in extra veggies.
Conclusion
Thank you for stopping by and trying out this delightful Keto Ground Beef Casserole. It’s one of my favorite go-to dinners because it’s flavorful, fuss-free, and perfect for staying on track with keto goals. Whether you’re making it for the first time or adding it to your weekly rotation, I hope this recipe brings warmth and ease to your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community. Happy cooking!
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Keto Ground Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Keto Ground Beef Casserole is an easy, cheesy, low-carb dinner made with ground beef, zucchini, and melted cheese. It’s the perfect 30-minute weeknight meal for keto lovers. Try it tonight and enjoy bold flavor with minimal effort!
Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds ground beef
12 ounces zucchini, cubed
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 oz cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and mist a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil spray. Set aside.
- Brown the beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, giving the pan a light spray of oil.
- Add seasonings: sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook while breaking up the beef into crumbles until it’s fully browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini during the final minute of cooking. Mix thoroughly.
- Melt in cream cheese, stirring constantly until it’s completely incorporated and creamy.
- Fold in cheese by mixing in 1/4 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella.
- Assemble the casserole by spreading the mixture into your prepared baking dish and topping it with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden top.
- Finish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitute yellow squash or eggplant for zucchini.
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded cabbage to boost fiber.
Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking for best texture.
Use grass-fed beef for richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 17g