If you’re craving something quick, hearty, and delicious that won’t break your keto streak, this Cheesy Keto Ground Beef Casserole is the weeknight miracle you’ve been waiting for. It’s creamy, beefy, and loaded with melted cheese—all ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for Keto Dinner Ideas Easy Quick or when you need a Low Carb Dinner On A Budget that still feels like comfort food.
This one-pan wonder is ideal for Keto Recipes For Ground Beef fans. Juicy beef, sautéed onions, and a rich, cheesy sauce come together for a satisfying dinner that hits every craving. And cleanup? Minimal—just like our Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole that’s a fan favorite on ComfortFoodLite!
- ✔️ Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes.
- ✔️ Perfect for Low Carb Dinner Recipes Ground Beef.
- ✔️ Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
- ✔️ Great for Keto Meals Using Ground Beef meal prep.
- ✔️ Family-friendly and budget-conscious.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this casserole is flexible, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Want more spice? Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese. Craving something extra rich? Stir in cream cheese or top with crispy bacon bits. Keto comfort has never been this easy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20) | 1 lb |
| Olive oil or butter | 1 tbsp |
| Onion, diced | 1/2 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz (softened) |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella | 1/2 cup |
| Salt & pepper | to taste |
| Paprika (optional) | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh parsley or chives | for garnish |
Choosing the Best Ingredients
For the juiciest texture, use 80/20 ground beef. Leaner beef works too, but you might want to add a little butter or olive oil to keep things moist. Choose full-fat dairy products—cream cheese and heavy cream help make the dish rich and keto-friendly.
Sharp cheddar brings depth and a golden crust, while mozzarella gives that irresistible stretch. Want a bolder flavor? Mix in pepper jack or smoked gouda! This combo creates the ultimate Beef Casserole Recipes Keto vibe—melty, rich, and deeply satisfying.
Serve it alongside something fresh, like our Brussels Sprout Kale Apple Salad with Bacon—it’s crunchy, tangy, and perfectly balances the cheesy richness.
How to Make Cheesy Keto Ground Beef Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium casserole dish or skillet with butter.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add the creaminess: Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until melted and combined. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Top with cheese: Pour mixture into casserole dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & garnish: Let it cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley or chives before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Texture
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.
- Don’t skip draining the beef—excess grease can make the casserole soupy.
- For extra crisp edges, broil the top for 1–2 minutes before serving.
- Want to skip the oven? Let the cheese melt in the skillet and serve it stovetop-style!
This method gives the same golden finish you see in Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole—bubbly, browned, and absolutely irresistible.
Variations & Swaps
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for fiber and flavor.
- Bacon Lover’s Version: Add crispy bacon crumbles on top before baking.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning and top with sour cream after baking.
- Budget-Friendly: Replace half the beef with cauliflower rice or diced mushrooms to stretch your dollar.
Perfect Keto Sides
This cheesy beef casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of low-carb sides. Try:
- Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes (swap cauliflower for a keto version)
- Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan for crisp contrast
- Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup for cozy nights
- Cheesy Zucchini Casserole for an all-cheese dinner party
Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
- Too greasy? Use leaner ground beef or drain well before baking.
- Too dry? Add an extra splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter.
- Cheese not melting evenly? Use freshly grated cheese (not pre-shredded).
- Bland flavor? Add onion powder, garlic powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Want more crunch? Sprinkle crushed pork rinds or Parmesan on top before broiling.
Storage & Reheat Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave individual servings for 60–90 seconds.
For meal prep, portion into containers and serve with roasted veggies or salad. This is one of those Keto Casserole With Ground Beef recipes that actually gets better after a day in the fridge!
FAQ
Can I make this ahead? Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours before baking and refrigerate. Bake when ready to eat.
Can I make it dairy-free? Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives—it still turns out creamy.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just use a larger casserole dish and add 5 minutes to the bake time.
What’s the best cheese combo? Cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for stretch, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a salty finish.
How to make it more filling? Serve with Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Honey or cauliflower mash for a full meal.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Keto Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate easy dinner—ready in 30 minutes, rich in flavor, and loved by everyone. It’s budget-friendly, meal-prep-approved, and fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing comfort or cutting carbs, this dish checks every box.
Serve it up with a side of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes and finish the night with a slice of Apple Crumble Cheesecake—because yes, keto can be that delicious. What are you waiting for? Grab a skillet, melt that cheese, and dig in!
Cheesy Keto Ground Beef Casserole (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium casserole dish.
- In a skillet, heat oil and cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Transfer to casserole dish, top with cheddar and mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with herbs before serving.
