Cooking a Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice is like bringing a bit of comfort food heaven into your home. This recipe combines the rich flavors of sautéed ground beef with the nutty goodness of cauliflower rice, all topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese. It’s a dish that effortlessly balances taste and health, offering a low-carb option perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Imagine coming home from a long day, greeted by the delicious aroma of a casserole baking in the oven, promising warmth and satisfaction in every bite. This meal not only pleases your palate but also leaves you feeling nourished and fulfilled.
What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity without compromising on flavor. The use of Italian seasoning and sweet paprika brings out a medley of tastes reminiscent of home-cooked meals that warm your soul. It’s an incredibly adaptable recipe, accommodating personal preferences with ease. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want leftovers for the week, this casserole fits the bill, combining convenience with a touch of gourmet. Additionally, the inclusion of spinach not only adds a splash of color but also an array of nutrients, making your dining experience as wholesome as it is delicious.
Let’s delve into the magic of creating this comforting Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice, that’s bound to become a household favorite, appealing to both adults and children alike.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice
- It’s a low-carb meal, perfect for maintaining healthy eating habits.
- Easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- The oozy melted cheese on top provides the perfect comfort food touch.
- Great for meal prep — make once, enjoy multiple meals.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s crucial to set up your kitchen correctly. Begin by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized, with all ingredients and tools easily accessible. You’ll need a reliable skillet for sautéing the ground beef mixture and a 9×13-inch baking dish for the casserole. A wooden spoon or spatula will help when stirring ingredients, while a sharp knife is necessary for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
Precision in cooking starts with having the right tools at your disposal. Make sure to have measuring spoons to accurately portion out the Italian seasoning, paprika, and butter. A good quality cheese grater will be essential if you’re using a block of cheese instead of pre-shredded options. Having these tools upfront will streamline your cooking process, ensuring a stress-free culinary adventure.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 oz baby spinach
- 10 oz frozen cauliflower rice, cooked
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 2–3 tbsp milk (optional, if needed for mixing)
- 8 oz shredded Italian blend cheese (or any cheese you like)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As your oven reaches this temperature, it will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly, providing the perfect texture.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, sautéing it for about 2 minutes until it becomes translucent. Introduce the minced garlic and stir for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant. Next, incorporate the ground beef along with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it apart into smaller chunks as it cooks. After browning, add the baby spinach, cooking until wilted. Finally, remove the mixture from heat and drain any excess liquid to avoid wateriness in your casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Cauliflower Base
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice with sour cream, softened butter, and dried basil. Stir until you achieve a creamy consistency. If the mixture appears a bit thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now, merge the beef-spinach mixture with the creamy cauliflower base. Stir to evenly distribute all components. Once well-mixed, spread the mixture uniformly across the baking dish and top it with shredded cheese of your choice, ensuring it covers the mixture completely.
Step 5: Bake & Rest
Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for about 22 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 7 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps in easy slicing and serving, allowing flavors to meld and the structure to firm up.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, use crumbled tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for a different texture and flavor.
- Spices: Consider adding a pinch of chili flakes for a spicier kick, or try curry powder for an exotic touch.
Cooking Notes
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk added to the cauliflower mixture or skip it altogether.
- Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh garden salad tossed with olive oil and vinegar dressing for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve alongside garlic bread to soak up the delicious casserole juices.
Tips
- Use pre-cooked cauliflower rice to save time on preparation. Simply steam or microwave it according to package instructions.
- Taste and adjust seasonings after mixing the casserole before baking, if desired.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
- Protein: 23g
- Sodium: 450mg
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just extend the baking time slightly as it will be starting from a colder temperature.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
What if I don’t have cauliflower rice?
If you’re out of cauliflower rice, cooked quinoa or brown rice can substitute, though this will increase the carb content.
How do I increase the spice level?
To increase the spice, add more paprika or introduce cayenne pepper to the beef mixture to elevate the heat level.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience waiting to be enjoyed. Not only does it combine nutritional benefits with incredible taste, but it also offers a chance to experiment with different variations to suit your palate. As you explore the many ways to customize this dish, you’ll find it’s not just a recipe, but a versatile platform for your culinary creativity.
Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family or invite them for a taste of this hearty casserole. Encourage others to try their hand at these modifications and leave feedback about their unique twists. A dish that brings people together, it’s sure to become a staple in your household, providing comfort, nutrition, and satisfaction at every turn.
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Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cooking a Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice is like bringing a bit of comfort food heaven into your home. It’s a dish that effortlessly balances taste and health, offering a low-carb option perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 oz baby spinach
- 10 oz frozen cauliflower rice, cooked
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 2–3 tbsp milk (optional, if needed for mixing)
- 8 oz shredded Italian blend cheese (or any cheese you like)
Instructions
- Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, then add garlic and stir until fragrant. Add ground beef, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted. Drain excess liquid.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and basil. Stir to achieve a creamy consistency, adding milk if needed.
- Combine beef-spinach mixture with cauliflower base. Spread in baking dish, top with cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 22-25 minutes until cheese is golden brown. Let rest before serving.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, reduce or skip the milk in the cauliflower mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Protein: 23 g