Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole – Looking for a satisfying and flavorful dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more? Look no further than this irresistible Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole! This hearty casserole combines tender ground beef, nutritious cauliflower rice, and a blend of cheesy goodness that will make your mouth water. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Get ready to dive into a dish that brings together the best of both worlds: mouthwatering flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Let me share a personal anecdote about this delightful recipe that has become a beloved staple in my household. One evening, as I was searching for a hearty and wholesome meal to please my family, I stumbled upon this Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole. Little did I know that this dish would win over their hearts and taste buds in an instant! The combination of juicy ground beef, vibrant spinach, and creamy cauliflower rice became an instant hit. It was such a joy to see my husband and little ones eagerly dig in, savoring every cheesy bite. Since then, this casserole has become a go-to recipe for family dinners, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try?
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, and aromatic garlic infuse the ground beef with rich and savory notes, creating a flavor explosion.
- Wholesome twist: By substituting traditional rice with cauliflower rice, you’re adding extra nutrients and reducing the carb content while maintaining a satisfying texture.
- Sneaky greens: The addition of fresh baby spinach not only adds vibrant color but also boosts the nutritional value of the casserole, making it a wholesome and well-rounded meal.
- Creamy indulgence: The combination of sour cream, butter, and shredded cheese creates a luscious and velvety texture that melds all the ingredients together, leaving you with a creamy and comforting bite every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef (450g)
- 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 package directions (283g)
- 1 cup sour cream (240g)
- 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 of your choice (227g)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and season it with Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.
Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet, and if needed, cook it in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Stir frequently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1 minute.
Remove the skillet from the heat, drain any excess liquid, and set it aside.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and dried basil. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy. If the sour cream and butter aren’t melting completely, you can add some milk to help with the process. The cauliflower rice should be warm enough to melt the butter.
Add the prepared beef mixture to the baking dish and stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and the cheese is beautifully melted.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes to cool slightly before cutting and serving.
Notes:
- Feel free to experiment with different shredded cheese blends to suit your taste preferences.
- If you’re looking to make this dish even more nutritious, you can add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
In conclusion, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole is a true winner when it comes to satisfying your cravings for a comforting and delicious meal. With its flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef, nutritious cauliflower rice, and creamy cheese, every bite is a delight for your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this casserole ticks all the boxes. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking, whether by adding extra veggies or swapping ingredients. So go ahead and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed by the warm and cheesy goodness that awaits you. Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that brings comfort and joy to your table.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef in this recipe. It will still provide a delicious and flavorful result.
Can I use fresh cauliflower rice instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh cauliflower rice instead of frozen. Simply pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice-like grains. Then cook the cauliflower rice as instructed in the recipe.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, just remove the covering and follow the baking instructions.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. When reheating, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat it in the oven until heated through.
Can I omit the spinach?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of spinach or don’t have any on hand, you can omit it from the recipe. However, the spinach adds a wonderful pop of color and nutritional value to the dish.
Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 15 ml
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef 450g
- 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 package directions (283g)
- 1 cup sour cream 240g
- 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 of your choice (227g)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and season it with Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet, and if needed, cook it in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Stir frequently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, drain any excess liquid, and set it aside.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and dried basil. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy. If the sour cream and butter aren't melting completely, you can add some milk to help with the process. The cauliflower rice should be warm enough to melt the butter.
- Add the prepared beef mixture to the baking dish and stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and the cheese is beautifully melted.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes to cool slightly before cutting and serving.
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