Hearty & Flavorful Keto Beefy Cheese Casserole (Creamy & Satisfying!)
Get ready for a truly comforting and satisfying meal with this Hearty & Flavorful Keto Beefy Cheese Casserole!Seasoned ground beef, vibrant red bell peppers, and savory onions are baked in a rich, creamy egg and hot sauce mixture, all topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella. This hearty, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free casserole is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a cozy dinner!
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons burger seasoning (or your preferred blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (HWC)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (KETO NOTE: Check for low-sugar varieties or use sparingly, as some brands contain sugar)
- 2 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce (or similar hot sauce)
- 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) cream cheese, cut into small chunks, softened to room temperature
- Cooking spray or butter (for casserole dish)
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Separate mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Chop the white onion and red bell pepper.
- Sauté Veggies & Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Break up the beef with a spatula and sprinkle generously with burger seasoning.
- Cook until the ground beef is fully browned. Once browned, drain off any excess grease thoroughly from the skillet.
- Prepare Egg & Cream Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Frank’s RedHot sauce until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease or spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Spread the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Dot the top of the beef mixture evenly with the small chunks of softened cream cheese.
- Carefully pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the ground beef and cream cheese.
- Sprinkle the entire casserole evenly with the 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the mozzarella cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Beefy Cheese Casserole!
Tips for Success:
- Drain Grease Thoroughly: Draining excess grease from the ground beef is crucial for a non-greasy casserole.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature so it melts and blends easily into creamy pockets.
- Worcestershire Sauce: While it adds great flavor, some brands contain a small amount of sugar. For strict keto, look for a low-sugar version or consider omitting if you’re concerned.
- Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot gives a classic tangy kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference, or use another hot sauce you enjoy.
- Customization: Feel free to add other keto-friendly ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, a sprinkle of garlic powder in the egg mixture, or a different cheese blend.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but also pairs well with a simple side salad or a dollop of sour cream and some fresh chives or cilantro for garnish.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Beefy Cheese Casserole is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the ground beef, eggs, and cheeses.
- High Fat: Yes, from the ground beef, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using meat, non-starchy vegetables, and high-fat, low-carb dairy.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the Worcestershire sauce (if used) is low in sugar. All other listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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