Comfort Food Classic: Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole – This cheesy ground beef and cauliflower rice casserole is the perfect comfort food dish that is sure to warm your soul. It’s a savory and delicious casserole that is packed with flavors and nutrients, making it a great meal to serve for dinner or to bring to a potluck. This casserole is also a great option for those who are looking to eat healthier, as it’s low-carb and gluten-free.

This casserole has become a staple in my household. My husband, who is usually a picky eater, absolutely loves this dish! I still remember the first time I made it – he was skeptical at first, but after just one bite, he was hooked. Now, it’s one of our favorite dishes to make together. It’s also a great way to get some extra veggies into our diet – the spinach and cauliflower rice blend perfectly with the savory flavors of the beef and cheese.

Why This Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite Dinner Dish?

• Low-carb and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Packed with nutrients – the spinach and cauliflower rice add a healthy twist to this classic comfort food dish.
• Easy to make and perfect for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• The perfect combination of savory flavors and cheesy goodness.
• Versatile – use any shredded cheese that you prefer, and add in any additional seasonings or veggies that you love.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15g)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (454g)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach (170g)
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen cauliflower rice, cooked according to the directions on the package (283g)
• 1 cup sour cream (240ml)
• 1 tablespoon butter (14g)
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, if needed*
• 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese, or any other shredded cheese that you have/prefer (226g)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds.

Add the ground beef and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Continue to cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is completely browned.

Add in the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 more minute or until the spinach is wilted.

Remove from heat, drain any liquid from the skillet, and set aside.

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and dried basil; stir and mix until completely combined and creamy. If the sour cream and butter aren’t melting completely, stir in some milk. (The cauliflower rice should be warm enough to melt the butter.)

Add the prepared beef mixture to the baking dish and stir until everything is completely incorporated.

Top with shredded cheese.

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Remove from the oven and let stand several minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes:

• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to make it a lighter version.
• Feel free to add in more vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to bulk up the dish and add extra nutrition.
• If you don’t have frozen cauliflower rice, you can easily make it yourself by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

In conclusion, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With its flavorful blend of beef, spinach, and Italian seasoning, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. And the best part is, it’s low-carb and gluten-free, making it a healthy option for those watching their waistlines. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that everyone will love, give this casserole a try!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! Simply pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice, and then cook them in a skillet until they are tender.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use any shredded cheese that you prefer, such as cheddar or mozzarella.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if the dish is cold when you put it in the oven.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole

Sacrlett

This cheesy ground beef and cauliflower rice casserole is the perfect comfort food dish that is sure to warm your soul. It's a savory and delicious casserole that is packed with flavors and nutrients, making it a great meal to serve for dinner or to bring to a potluck.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 15g
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef 454g
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach 170g
• 1 package 10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice, cooked according to the directions on the package (283g)
• 1 cup sour cream 240ml
• 1 tablespoon butter 14g
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk if needed*
• 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese or any other shredded cheese that you have/prefer (226g)

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds.
• Add the ground beef and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Continue to cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is completely browned.
• Add in the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 more minute or until the spinach is wilted.
• Remove from heat, drain any liquid from the skillet, and set aside.
• In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and dried basil; stir and mix until completely combined and creamy. If the sour cream and butter aren’t melting completely, stir in some milk. (The cauliflower rice should be warm enough to melt the butter.)
• Add the prepared beef mixture to the baking dish and stir until everything is completely incorporated.
• Top with shredded cheese.
• Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
• Remove from the oven and let stand several minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to make it a lighter version.

Feel free to add in more vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to bulk up the dish and add extra nutrition.

If you don't have frozen cauliflower rice, you can easily make it yourself by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Keyword Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole